Major Blow to Students, Professionals and Families as US Shuts Door on Zimbabweans

By A Correspondent

Thousands of Zimbabweans hoping to travel, study, work or settle in the United States have been dealt a major setback after the US government suspended the issuance of several key visa categories.

In a notice issued by the US Embassy in Harare, the suspension took effect on January 1, 2026, following Presidential Proclamation 10998, which restricts the entry of foreign nationals on national security grounds.

Under the new measures, Zimbabwean nationals will no longer be issued B visas (business and tourist), F (student), M (trainee), J (exchange visitor), K (fiancé) visas, as well as all immigrant visas. The move has severely affected students, professionals, families and travellers with plans to enter the United States.

The embassy said applicants may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but warned that they may ultimately be found ineligible for visa issuance or admission into the US.

However, Zimbabweans who already hold valid US visas will not be affected and may continue travelling as usual.

The US Embassy in Harare also confirmed that it remains closed to routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services, except for most diplomatic and official visas.

As a result, Zimbabwean applicants are now required to schedule visa interviews at the US Consulate General in Johannesburg, South Africa, a development expected to increase both costs and waiting times.

The embassy further warned that visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if an application is ultimately denied.