By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The United States Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced changes to the US visa application process, effective 18 March 2025. This move aims to close loopholes that could lead to corruption and ensure applicants follow required procedures.
Starting on this date, all visa applicants will be required to present a DS-160 form with a confirmation barcode that matches the one used when scheduling their appointment.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in denied entry to the embassy for the interview.
The embassy made the announcement via social media, advising applicants to verify their details before their appointments.
“Starting Mar 18, 2025, U.S. visa applicants must use a DS-160 form with a matching barcode for their interview. No match, no entry! Avoid delays by double-checking your info before your appointment,” the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Any applicant whose DS-160 form barcode does not correspond with their appointment confirmation will be turned away at the embassy.
“If the confirmation/barcode number on your DS-160 form does not match the one you used to book your appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the Embassy for your interview,” the embassy clarified.
Applicants are urged to meticulously check their information to prevent unnecessary delays or the need to reschedule their visa interviews. Those who encounter issues with their DS-160 form barcode will need to rebook their appointments to continue with the visa application process. A link to the U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service has been provided for this purpose.
“If your barcode numbers do not match, you will need to book a new appointment to proceed with your visa application,” the embassy confirmed.
This new rule underscores the embassy’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the visa application process and ensuring that all applicants adhere to the necessary protocols.
However, it has raised alarms in Zimbabwe, along with other African countries, which face an urgent 60-day deadline to rectify various “deficiencies” identified by the United States government. Failure to do so may result in strict travel restrictions for Zimbabwe and 40 other nations under a proposed expanded travel ban.