Keypoints:
- US says visa review isn’t a ban on Africa
- 36 countries assessed on security compliance
- No fixed deadline or travel restrictions
THE United States has dismissed claims that a new visa review targeting 36 countries amounts to a travel ban against Africa. Officials say the initiative, driven by national security priorities, is not region-specific and will not immediately affect travel.
During a June 17 press briefing in Washington, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified that the review falls under Executive Order 14161, issued by President Donald Trump, and focuses on strengthening global visa processes.
Review rooted in security, not geography
Bruce stressed that geography plays no role in determining which countries are included. Instead, the review aims to ensure that foreign governments meet US expectations on key areas: identity verification, reporting of lost or stolen passports, addressing visa overstays, and cooperation on deportations.
‘The continent or location of a country is not a consideration,’ Bruce stated. ‘This is about whether we can trust the visa information provided by each country.’
The 36 countries under review are being assessed based on their technical systems, data-sharing practices, and their willingness to work with the United States on immigration enforcement.
No fixed deadline for compliance
Responding to reports of a June 18 deadline, Bruce made clear that no such date applies. ‘They will have a considerable amount of time to rectify whatever the situation is,’ she said. ‘The goal is not to penalise but to encourage alignment with global security standards.’
She added that the process is designed to be collaborative, giving countries a chance to improve their systems before any restrictions are considered.
Broader context for African nations
Although the review has triggered concern in some African countries, the US insists that no region is being targeted. Previous visa restrictions on African states were typically linked to specific issues such as incomplete data-sharing or inadequate screening infrastructure.
This latest review, according to Bruce, is intended to enhance international travel security while avoiding blanket punitive measures. The US plans to work constructively with any countries falling short of requirements.
The full list of countries involved in the visa review has not been made public, but State Department officials say cooperation, transparency, and a commitment to reliable documentation will be the deciding factors in future policy decisions.
