The South African government says it isn’t concerned about the latest US visa restrictions that have hit Zimbabwe and several other African countries, even as US President Donald Trump continues to roll out tough immigration measures in his second term.
The US embassy in Harare has suspended routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services to Zimbabwe over concerns about visa misuse and overstays. While some visas are still being issued, new rules are being imposed on Malawi and Zambia — requiring citizens to pay a $5,000 to $15,000 bond before traveling to the US, and to use only three designated airports for entry and exit.
South Africa has not been affected by these changes. Asked if citizens should be worried, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it does not comment on other countries’ visa policies. A senior government official added that South Africans typically travel to the US for business or holidays, with few seeking to immigrate permanently.
The US embassy says the move is part of a broader effort to tighten national security and curb visa abuse. In recent months, Washington has either banned or imposed tougher entry conditions on citizens from several African countries, and has warned 36 nations to improve traveler vetting or risk further restrictions.
International relations experts say the visa moves form part of a bigger picture. They argue Trump’s policies reflect a growing unease with the rise of BRICS — the economic bloc that includes South Africa — and its push for a multipolar world order that challenges US dominance.