Zimbabweans have been left reeling from the effects of the United States’ new visa reciprocity policy, which has drastically shortened visa validity periods.
According to a detailed explanation shared this week, the changes are a direct consequence of the Zimbabwean government’s refusal to grant American citizens the same visa durations it sought from Washington.
“I can authoritatively confirm that this situation was caused by the actions of the Zimbabwean government and is directly linked to the American Government’s announcement of July 7, 2025,” the statement reads, citing official information published on the US Embassy Harare’s website.
Previously, Zimbabweans enjoyed ten-year tourist visas to the US.
The arrangement collapsed when Harare refused to reciprocate with equal visa terms for Americans.
Washington scaled Zimbabweans’ visas down to one year, but again, Harare declined to match it.
Under Donald Trump’s administration, the US adopted a strict reciprocity adjustment policy, which automatically mirrors how other countries treat American citizens.
The change has drawn frustration from Zimbabweans abroad and those seeking to travel, with many pointing to the government’s unwillingness to adjust policy as the root cause of the fallout.
