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U.S. Embassy Pauses All Routine Visa Services in Zimbabwe

It signals U.S. resolve to curb visa misuse by pressing Zimbabwe for stricter vetting standards.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio answers a reporter's question ahead of a meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric at the State Department, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
A man holding a Zimbabwean passport in Harare, Friday, June 14, 2019. The U.S. has paused all routine visa applications from the country.
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Overview

  • Routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services are suspended effective August 8 at the U.S. Embassy in Harare.
  • Exemptions include diplomatic, official and previously issued visas, ensuring minimal impact on government and existing travelers.
  • Zimbabwe’s B1/B2 overstay rate of 10.57% and concerns over student visa misuse prompted the embassy’s temporary actions.
  • The suspension follows a 60-day ultimatum issued in June demanding improved document vetting and security compliance.
  • The measure aligns with a new visa bond pilot affecting Malawi and Zambia and broader U.S. efforts to strengthen African travel vetting.