The United States has recently suspended all routine visa applications for Zimbabwean citizens, marking yet another addition to the travel restrictions affecting African nationals. This decision follows closely on the heels of a new pilot programme announced by the US, which mandates that citizens from Malawi and Zambia pay a bond ranging from US$7,600 to US$15,000 (approximately A$11,000 to A$23,000) when applying for tourist or business visas. Should these applicants remain in the US post-visa expiry, the bond will be forfeited.
The US State Department specified that this suspension of visa services for Zimbabwe is temporary and aimed at addressing specific concerns related to the Zimbabwean government. They clarified that most diplomatic and official visas would remain unaffected by this pause.
These measures are part of broader immigration enforcement policies rolled out under the Trump administration, which has previously implemented travel bans impacting citizens from twelve countries—seven of which are in Africa—and placed heightened restrictions on three additional African nations. Furthermore, the US has instructed 36 countries, primarily in Africa, to enhance their vetting processes for travellers or risk facing bans on their citizens entering the US.
Among the countries listed for improved documentation standards are Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia. The Trump administration claims that these measures are fundamental to maintaining national security and public safety regarding the US visa system.
In addition, the newly introduced bond programme, commencing on August 20, requires Malawian and Zambian applicants to enter and exit from specific US airports: Boston’s Logan International, New York’s JFK, or Dulles International near Washington, DC.
These ongoing restrictions have generated significant concern regarding their impact on the ability of Zimbabwean, Malawian, and Zambian nationals to visit the US for tourism or business, especially given the large bond sums required and the accompanying regulations. The US government’s emphasis on increased scrutiny reflects an overarching policy aimed at tightening immigration control and monitoring overstay risks among foreign nationals.