US Visa Suspension Targets 75 Countries, Spares Mozambique and Select African Partners
The United States, under the Trump administration, has enacted a sweeping suspension of visa processing for 75 countries, with 26 African nations included in the list. This move, effective from 21 January, primarily impacts would-be immigrants seeking US “green cards,” but may also extend to certain categories of tourist and student visas, depending on further State Department guidance.
For the African travel and tourism sector, the implications are significant. The suspension is part of a broader tightening of US immigration policy, with the stated aim of reassessing visa processing and ensuring that new immigrants do not become a financial burden on the American public. While the full list of affected countries spans Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, the focus on Africa is particularly notable, as nearly half the continent faces new barriers to US entry.
However, Mozambique stands out as one of just four African countries specifically excluded from the suspension due to its “significant economic, commercial or diplomatic relations with the United States.” The other three are South Africa, Angola, and Madagascar. According to the US State Department, these nations have demonstrated a satisfactory level of development, stability, and cooperation, or maintain strategic ties with Washington. This distinction is crucial for African travel professionals, as it preserves access to the US market for Mozambican, South African, Angolan, and Malagasy citizens, even as many neighboring countries face new restrictions .
Other African countries have been excluded for different reasons. For example, “politically sensitive” states such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—all of which have experienced recent military coups—are not subject to the suspension, likely due to ongoing diplomatic considerations. Meanwhile, “stable and cooperative” countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Gambia are also spared, as are smaller states such as Lesotho, Eswatini, and Sao Tome and Principe, where there is little evidence of significant migratory pressure toward the US .
For the African tourism and aviation industries, these new restrictions are likely to reshape travel patterns and demand for US-bound flights. Airlines and tour operators serving affected countries may see a decline in bookings for US routes, while those in exempt nations could benefit from relatively stable demand. The policy also underscores the importance of diplomatic and economic engagement with the US, as countries with stronger ties have been able to avoid the most severe restrictions.
It is important for industry professionals to note that the visa suspension is described as temporary, pending a reassessment by the US State Department. However, the duration and future scope of the policy remain uncertain, and further changes could be announced as the US continues to review its immigration and border security protocols.
As the situation evolves, African travel stakeholders should closely monitor updates from US consular services and advise clients accordingly. For now, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, and Madagascar retain their access to US visas, offering a measure of continuity for travelers and businesses with transatlantic interests. The broader message for the continent is clear: strategic partnerships and robust diplomatic engagement remain key to maintaining mobility and market access in an increasingly complex global environment.
