US places Zimbabwe under partial travel suspension over visa overstays

By Staff Reporter | Dec 17, 2025 | 1 Min read

The United States has placed Zimbabwe under a partial suspension of entry for selected visa categories, citing high visa overstay rates, the White House has said.

Under the decision, Zimbabweans applying for B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J visas covering students, exchange visitors and some training programmes, will face new entry restrictions affecting both immigrant and non-immigrant travel.

The move is based on a U.S. government overstay report referenced in the proclamation, which shows Zimbabwe recorded a 7.89% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and a significantly higher 15.15% overstay rate for F, M and J visas.

In a statement, the White House said the restrictions were imposed to “secure our borders and interests,” arguing that the measures are necessary where the United States lacks sufficient information to assess potential risks posed by some foreign nationals.

The statement said President Donald Trump acted after consultations with cabinet officials and in line with Executive Order 14161 and Proclamation 10949, concluding that additional country-specific restrictions were required to protect U.S. national security and public safety.

The White House cited concerns including high visa overstay rates, weak cooperation on immigration enforcement, corruption, unreliable civil documentation systems and limited information-sharing with U.S. authorities. It also pointed to instability, criminal activity and extremist threats in some affected countries as factors undermining effective vetting.

Officials said the restrictions are tailored to individual countries and are intended to encourage greater cooperation with U.S. immigration and security requirements.