By Chantelle Muzanenhanmo
The United States Embassy in Harare has moved to calm fears over its recent suspension of routine visa services, stressing that the measure does not amount to a travel ban.
The clarification comes after widespread concerns following Washington’s announcement earlier this month that Zimbabwe was among countries affected by new US immigration measures.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, 20 August 2025, the Embassy sought to reassure the public.
“We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.
This is not a travel ban
All valid visas remain valid
We will provide updates on resuming visa services as soon as there is a change.”
The Embassy emphasised that Zimbabweans holding valid visas could continue to travel to the United States without restriction.
The move follows a 8 August 2025 announcement by the US State Department, which temporarily halted routine visa applications from Zimbabwe.
According to the department, the pause was introduced “while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.”
A statement from Washington added:
“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”
Zimbabwe was listed among 36 countries that the US has asked to improve travel documentation systems and address issues relating to nationals residing in the US without legal status.
The Zimbabwe visa suspension is part of a broader immigration policy under President Donald Trump.
On the same day, Washington launched a pilot visa bond programme affecting Malawi and Zambia. Applicants for tourist or business visas must now pay bonds of US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000, forfeited if they overstay.
Applicants from the two countries were also directed to use specific entry points into the US, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York), Logan International Airport (Boston), and Dulles International Airport (Washington, DC).
Earlier in June 2025, Washington imposed travel bans on citizens from 12 countries seven of them African and extended restrictions to seven more nations, including three in Africa.
The US has demanded that 36 countries, mostly in Africa, strengthen their vetting systems or face tighter restrictions for their nationals wishing to visit the United States.