US pauses most visa applications from Zimbabwe in another restriction on travelers from Africa

Source: AP

Updated 3:50 PM EDT, August 7, 2025


HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — The United States on Thursday announced a pause on all routine visa applications for citizens of Zimbabwe, the latest restriction on travelers from Africa.

It came days after the U.S. unveiled a pilot project requiring citizens of two other African countries, Malawi and Zambia, to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for tourist or business visas. The bond will be forfeited if the applicant stays in the U.S. after their visa expires.

The State Department said the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe would pause all routine visa services starting Friday “while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe.”

The embassy described the measure as temporary and part of the Trump administration’s efforts to “prevent visa overstay and misuse.” Most diplomatic and official visas would be exempt from the pause, the U.S. said. The U.S. has enforced new travel restrictions on citizens from several African countries under President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement policies.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/us-visa-travel-restrictions-zimbabwe-trump-eb2074af3a3275ce595e9a7cdc2281c6