ZambiaVisas US visa suspensions for Zambians: what travellers must check before booking
Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is urging citizens to verify US visa requirements with the US Embassy in Lusaka, after the US suspended immigrant visas and some non-immigrant categories for Zambian nationals.
Zambians planning to travel to the United States should confirm visa requirements with the US Embassy in Lusaka before making plans, the Zambian government has said. The reminder follows the suspension of immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant categories for Zambian nationals.
Key facts
- A US Presidential Proclamation restricts entry for Zambian nationals on B1, B-1/B-2, B2, F, M and J visas.
- The restriction has been in effect since 1 January 2026.
- Immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant categories for Zambian nationals are suspended.
- The suspended categories cover business, tourism, academic studies, vocational studies and exchange visitor programmes.
- Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued the reminder in a statement on Friday.
Which US visas are affected?
The Presidential Proclamation covers the B1, B-1/B-2 and B2 categories used for business and tourism travel, together with F and M visas for academic and vocational studies and J visas for exchange visitor programmes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant categories for Zambian nationals are suspended.
When did the restrictions start?
The entry restriction under the Presidential Proclamation has been in effect since 1 January 2026. The Ministry did not state an end date or any review point for the measures.
What should Zambian travellers do?
The Ministry urged Zambians planning to travel to the US to verify visa requirements with the US Embassy in Lusaka. It said the reminder was issued because of the suspension of immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant categories for Zambian nationals.
What this means for travellers
Zambian citizens considering travel to the United States for business, tourism, study or exchange programmes should check the current position with the US Embassy in Lusaka before booking, as the visa categories normally used for those trips are covered by the suspension. The Ministry's statement did not set out any exemptions or transition arrangements.
The statement did not say how long the suspensions will last or whether any further changes are planned.
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