US SUSPENDS B1/B2, STUDENT VISAS FOR ZAMBIANS; GOVERNMENT URGES CAUTION.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has reminded Zambians that the United States has imposed travel restrictions affecting Zambian nationals.
Under a US Presidential Proclamation in effect since 1st January 2026, entry into the US for Zambian nationals on immigrant visas and certain non-immigrant categories, specifically B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas has been suspended. These cover business, tourism, academic studies, vocational studies and exchange visitor programmes.
Other non-immigrant visas issued to Zambians will also have reduced validity periods.
The Ministry said the restrictions are subject to exceptions, including US lawful permanent residents, dual nationals travelling on passports of non-affected countries, and certain official and diplomatic travellers. Limited case-by-case waivers may also apply.
The Ministry has advised Zambians intending to travel to the US to seek clarification from the US Embassy in Zambia regarding their individual circumstances before making travel arrangements or paying visa fees, and said it will continue to engage US authorities through diplomatic channels.
Members of the public are encouraged to consult the official website of the US Embassy in Zambia or the US Department of State for authoritative guidance.
