The United States has temporarily suspended visa processing in Zimbabwe, the US Embassy in Harare announced on Thursday. The decision means that Zimbabweans will not be able to apply for or renew US visas until further notice.
In a short statement, the embassy said the suspension was due to “operational challenges,” but did not give specific details. However, diplomatic sources suggest the move may be linked to strained relations between Washington and Harare over recent political developments and human rights concerns.
This comes after the US government recently criticized Zimbabwe for alleged election irregularities and the continued harassment of opposition leaders. Washington also maintains targeted sanctions on several Zimbabwean officials, accusing them of corruption and undermining democratic processes.
The visa suspension affects all categories, including student, tourist, and business visas. The embassy has advised applicants who had scheduled appointments to wait for further instructions once services resume.
For now, Zimbabweans seeking US visas will need to apply at American embassies in neighboring countries, such as South Africa or Zambia — an option that may be costly and time-consuming for many.
The Zimbabwean government has not yet issued an official response to the suspension. Analysts warn that this could further strain diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, especially as many Zimbabweans travel to the US for education and business opportunities.
