By Rex Mphisa
ZIMBABWEANS wishing to secure a visa to the United States, will as of September 8, 2025 have new guidelines to follow, according to a notice from the United States of America. In its updates, the US Embassy said what is changing is that Non Immigrant Visa applicants must schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
Zimbabweans resident in their country must apply at the United States Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, unless their residence is elsewhere.Zimbabwean applicants not resident in Zimbabwe must apply for a visa in their country of residence and demonstrate residence in that country.
All fees paid for applications outside an applicant’s country of residence cannot be refunded.The U.S. Embassy in Harare continues to pause routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services, except for most diplomatic and official visas.
Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant visa interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside their country of nationality or residence may face greater difficulty qualifying for the visa, meaning the exercise is Johannesburg could be a tall order.The pause on visa services in Zimbabwe has caused uncertainty and disruptions for travelers, especially students and business travelers.
Some Zimbabweans have expressed frustration and anger over the new requirements, citing additional costs and longer wait times.Zimbabwe is one of a group of countries where the U.S.
Department of State has imposed restrictions on visa processing. Instead, starting August 7, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, temporarily paused all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, with diplomatic and official visas being the exception.
This action was taken to address unspecified concerns with the Zimbabwean government and follows previous U.S. efforts to prevent visa overstay and misuse, such as a separate pilot program requiring bonds for some visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi.