USA adds Zim to travel restriction list

USA adds Zim to travel restriction list

STAFF WRITER

Zimbabwe has been added to an expanded United States travel restriction list, a move that will affect future travel plans for Zimbabwean citizens. These new measures are part of a broader U.S. travel ban announced by President Donald Trump, set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Under the updated policy, Zimbabwe joins 15 other countries facing partial travel restrictions to the U.S., meaning certain visa types, such as non-immigrant and visitor visas, may be limited or suspended depending on the category.

While Zimbabwe is not subject to a full entry ban, its inclusion on the restricted list marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, which has drawn concern from governments and travelers alike across Africa and beyond.

In addition to partial restrictions on Zimbabwe, five nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—have been placed under a full U.S. travel ban, prohibiting citizens from entering the United States under most visa categories.

The expansion also affects individuals traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, who are now restricted from entering the U.S. under the new proclamation.

Other countries facing partial travel limits include Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, and several Caribbean and West African states, as part of a broader list now totaling 39 countries with full or partial travel restrictions.

U.S. officials say the expanded travel ban is designed to strengthen security and improve the vetting of visitors from nations they consider to have deficiencies in document integrity, information sharing, or cooperation on deportation. Critics, however, argue that the policy unfairly targets entire populations based on nationality rather than individual risk.