US Halts Most Visa Services in Zimbabwe Amid Government Concerns

• Aug 20, 2025

The United States has suspended the processing of most visas in Zimbabwe, citing concerns with the country’s government, the U.S. embassy in Harare announced on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on X, the embassy said routine visa services in the capital had been paused while the concerns are addressed. It emphasized, however, that the measure does not amount to a travel ban, and that valid visas already issued remain unaffected.

“We have paused routine visa services in Harare while we address concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe,” the embassy wrote.

The embassy did not specify what those concerns are, and the Zimbabwean government has not yet responded to the announcement.

According to a notice on the U.S. State Department’s website, the suspension took effect on August 7. The pause covers nearly all categories of visas, with the exception of most diplomatic and official visas, which continue to be processed.

The development is likely to affect many Zimbabweans who rely on U.S. visas for travel, study, and business. It comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to face economic and political challenges, including strained relations with Western nations.

The embassy’s clarification that the move is not a travel ban may offer some reassurance, but the lack of detail on the underlying concerns leaves questions unanswered. For now, those seeking to travel to the United States from Zimbabwe will face delays until further notice.

The suspension highlights the fragile state of U.S.–Zimbabwe relations, which have at times been marked by tensions over governance, democracy, and human rights issues. While the embassy has not provided a timeline for the resumption of normal services, the halt underscores Washington’s willingness to use diplomatic tools to signal unease with Harare’s leadership.

As of now, affected applicants are being advised to monitor embassy updates for guidance on when routine services may resume.