Zim Faces New U.S. Visa Rules

The United States has introduced new visa processing rules for Zimbabwean nationals, directing most applicants to the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, while routine services at the U.S. Embassy in Harare remain suspended.

In a notice released Monday, the Department of State said nonimmigrant visa applicants must now schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence.

Zimbabweans living in Zimbabwe are required to apply in Johannesburg, while those abroad must apply in their country of residence and provide proof of legal stay.

The embassy said application fees paid outside an applicant’s country of residence will not be refunded.

The notice also confirmed an extension of validity for C1/D visas, which are issued to transit and crew members. Zimbabwean applicants will now receive visas valid for 24 months with multiple entries.

These applications will also be processed in Johannesburg.

Routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services in Harare remain paused, except for most diplomatic and official visas.

The embassy said applicants in Zimbabwe should continue scheduling interviews in South Africa until further notice.

In addition, applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas, covering students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors, are now required to adjust their social media settings to “public” to facilitate identity verification during vetting.

Officials cautioned that applicants applying outside their country of residence or nationality should expect longer wait times and may find it more difficult to qualify for visas.

Routine and emergency services for American citizens in Zimbabwe will continue as normal, according to the embassy.

The Department of State said the new measures were part of efforts to uphold “the highest standards of national security and public safety” while preventing overstays and visa misuse.