U.S. Proposes Sweeping Travel Restrictions on Citizens from 43 Countries, Including Zimbabwe

The Trump administration is contemplating imposing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from as many as 43 countries, including Zimbabwe, as part of a proposed expansion of entry bans to the United States.

According to sources familiar with the deliberations, this expansion could dramatically impact Zimbabweans who have long-standing ties to the U.S. and rely on open borders for family, educational, and business purposes.

A draft list of recommendations, developed by diplomatic and security officials, reveals a three-tier system with Zimbabwe placed in the “yellow” category. This classification signals that Zimbabwe has 60 days to address U.S. concerns regarding security and immigration protocols. If the country fails to meet these demands, it could face harsher visa restrictions or even be moved to a more severe category, which would complicate access to the U.S. for many Zimbabweans.

The travel ban proposal, currently under review, also includes a “red” list of 11 countries—Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen—that would face complete bans on U.S. entry. Additionally, a more extensive “orange” list of 10 countries, including Russia, Pakistan, Belarus, and Myanmar, would see severe visa restrictions, though business travelers would be exempt.

For Zimbabwe, the “yellow” category suggests that concerns over documentation systems, passport issuance, and cooperation with the U.S. on counterterrorism and immigration enforcement are central to the deliberations. The U.S. has historically emphasized the need for countries to share traveler information and ensure robust passport security. Zimbabwe’s inclusion in this list underscores concerns over its ability to meet these security standards, despite the nation’s efforts to improve governance and infrastructure.

Family, Education, and Business Ties at Stake

Should the Trump administration move forward with these proposals, the implications for Zimbabweans with ties to the United States could be significant. Zimbabweans seeking to visit family members, pursue educational opportunities, or engage in business relations could face bureaucratic hurdles and delays as visa applications are scrutinized more heavily. These restrictions may also impact Zimbabwean students who rely on U.S. universities for higher education, a crucial pathway for many seeking to escape domestic economic challenges.

The U.S. government’s ongoing review, led by the State Department and intelligence agencies, has already sparked controversy. Critics argue that the travel bans unfairly target non-Western countries and could deepen existing diplomatic tensions. Zimbabwe, which has faced decades of political and economic instability, may find it challenging to meet the requirements set by the U.S. government within the prescribed 60-day period.

Can Zimbabwe Address U.S. Concerns?

As the process continues, there is still uncertainty about whether Zimbabwe will be able to take the necessary steps to avoid stricter travel restrictions. U.S. diplomatic officials are focusing on whether Zimbabwe can enhance its security and transparency in passport issuance and meet the criteria for improved cooperation on counterterrorism and immigration enforcement. If the country cannot demonstrate significant progress, Zimbabwe could move into the “orange” or “red” category, a decision that could significantly hinder U.S.-Zimbabwe relations.

Zimbabwe’s government has not yet issued an official response to the proposed travel restrictions, but analysts warn that such measures could exacerbate tensions between the two countries. Zimbabwe has historically been wary of U.S. foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration, which had previously imposed sanctions on the nation.

A Diplomatic Dilemma: Will Political Considerations Impact the Final Decision?

There are concerns that the inclusion of Zimbabwe in the “yellow” category may be influenced by political or diplomatic considerations rather than purely security and immigration concerns. Some believe that these travel restrictions could be seen as a diplomatic tool used to pressure Zimbabwe into addressing political issues, such as the state of its human rights and governance, areas that have long been points of contention in U.S.-Zimbabwe relations.

During his first term, President Trump’s travel bans faced significant legal challenges, and critics decried them as discriminatory and harmful to America’s global image. President Joe Biden, upon taking office in 2021, swiftly reversed many of Trump’s restrictive policies, calling them damaging to both American diplomacy and the global reputation of the United States.

If the expanded travel restrictions are implemented, they could significantly affect Zimbabweans with strong ties to the U.S. With many Zimbabweans relying on opportunities abroad for education, trade, and family reunification, the proposed measures could limit the freedoms they have previously enjoyed. As the review process continues, it remains to be seen whether Zimbabwe will take the necessary steps to avert more severe restrictions. However, if the country is unable to meet the U.S. requirements, the situation could further strain the already delicate diplomatic relationship between the two nations.