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The Zambian government has raised serious concern with the U.S government’s decision to raise visa bond requirement ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000, noting its potential economic implications on trade, investment, and tourism.
Zambian and Malawian citizens traveling to the United States will be required to pay an amount of US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000, for Visas starting August 20, 2025, the U.S Department of State had announced.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, gave the response to the U.S decision in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday.
Haimbe stated that while the American government had a prerogative to initiate policy changes, this would have the unnecessary financial strain on Zambian Nationals.
He said the decision was contrary to the spirit of the meeting held with American Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, at State House in Lusaka on July 9, 2025, which centred on exploring new pathways to deepen the partnership between the two nations.
“Further, the pilot programme does not foster or engender the deepening of bilateral relations, but rather, it is counter to the spirit of mutual beneficial relations between the two sovereign states,” Haimbe said.
The minister also clarified that the scope of the measure only affected Zambian nationals applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism, family visits, and medical treatment) visas after 20th August 2025.
Read More: US imposes $5,000–$15,000 Visa bonds on Zambian, Malawian travelers starting August 20
He added that it did not, however, affect Zambians applying for student visas or Zambians who were already issued valid B-1/B-2 visas before August 20, 2025.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that this matter is being treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” Haimbe assured.
He said the Zambian government had taken immediate steps to engage at the highest level with the United States through formal diplomatic channels to seek clarity on the programme.
Haimbe stated that the government also wanted to explore possible solutions that safeguard the mutual interests of Zambia and the United States of America.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation remains committed to maintaining international relations in pursuit of the country’s national interests,” he said.
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