Zimbabwe , along with Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, and over thirty other African nations, is grappling with significant challenges due to the U.S. visa freeze and travel ban. These restrictions have disrupted immigration and travel opportunities, but many are turning to a crucial loophole for a chance to secure seamless entry into the U.S. Despite the widespread travel ban, this loophole allows individuals to bypass some of the restrictions by leveraging specific exemptions or grandfather clauses. These measures provide a pathway for travelers with existing valid visas to continue their journey without disruption. This article explores how these countries are navigating these travel challenges, the loopholes that provide some relief, and what travelers need to know about the evolving U.S. visa landscape.

The Role of the Grandfather Clause in US Travel Bans

The grandfather clause in U.S. travel bans has played a pivotal role in protecting individuals from the retroactive impact of newly enacted entry restrictions. Although the term “grandfather clause” was never explicitly used in official proclamations, key exemptions built around this concept have been integral to Trump-era travel bans. These clauses provided exemptions for individuals who met certain conditions before the effective date of the ban. Key examples of how these grandfather clauses operated include:

Executive Order 13780 (March 6, 2017): A grandfather clause allowed individuals holding valid visas at the time of the order’s implementation to still enter the U.S. without being affected by the ban.

Supreme Court Ruling (June 26, 2017): The Court introduced the “bona fide relationship” standard, acting as a relationship-based grandfather clause. This exempted individuals with close family ties, or employment or academic connections, from the ban.

Expanded Family Definition (July 2017): The US government initially excluded grandparents, cousins, and other extended family members. However, after a legal challenge, the definition was expanded to include these family members, further protecting refugees with US ties.

These grandfather clauses were designed to mitigate the disruption caused by travel bans, ensuring individuals with established US connections were not unfairly impacted by new restrictions.

Full and Partial U.S. Visa Restrictions as of January 2026

In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State enacted a combination of full and partial visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998 to enhance national security and immigration controls. These restrictions apply to countries based on their immigration and security concerns.

Full Restrictions: These countries face a complete suspension of both immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuances, including tourist (B), student (F and M), and exchange visitor (J) visas. The full restrictions impact Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and others.
Partial Restrictions: For nationals of 19 countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, only immigrant visa issuance is suspended, along with B, F, M, and J non-immigrant visas. This suspension does not affect other categories like diplomatic visas, and certain individuals may still qualify for exceptions.

Additionally, Turkmenistan had its restrictions partially lifted, with non-immigrant visa issuance restored, although the suspension of immigrant visa processing remains in effect.

Nigeria: Navigating the Partial Ban with the Grandfather Clause

Nigeria is facing a partial U.S. travel ban, which restricts immigrant visa issuance while still allowing certain non-immigrant visas such as B-1/B-2 (tourist) and F-1 (student) visas. The grandfather clause offers crucial relief for those with existing visas, allowing them to continue traveling without disruption. However, this provision does not fully shield Nigerian nationals from the consequences of the travel ban. The 48% drop in student visa applications is a direct impact of the visa restrictions, affecting over 21,850 Nigerian students. In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has placed an “adjudicative hold” on immigration benefits for Nigerians, further delaying the processing of visas and other immigration-related applications. Despite these challenges, the grandfather clause allows those with valid visas to maintain their status and travel as planned. However, new applicants continue to face significant delays in obtaining visas, particularly with the uncertainty of processing times and appointment availability.

Grandfather Clause helps protect current visa holders from the ban.
Student visa applications dropped by 48%.
USCIS adjudicative hold affects immigration benefits processing.
New applicants face delays in visa approvals.

Ghana: Adjusting to Shortened Visa Validity and F-1 Application Drop

Ghana has not been fully banned under the U.S. travel restrictions, but the shortened visa validity for various categories — especially F-1 (student) visas — is causing significant challenges. Visa validity has been slashed to just three months, significantly impacting long-term travel planning for Ghanaians seeking U.S. visas. The grandfather clause offers a lifeline for individuals who hold valid visas before the implementation of the restrictions, exempting them from the new rules. However, this has resulted in a 51% drop in F-1 visa applications, as students are uncertain about the implications of the reduced visa validity. Additionally, Ghana’s visa system has adopted a two-tier structure, with older visa holders enjoying more favorable conditions, while new applicants are subject to the shortened validity period and longer processing times. This has created significant delays, especially for students who were planning to travel for academic purposes, and many are finding it harder to secure timely visa appointments.

Shortened visa validity affects F-1 applicants.
Grandfather clause protects existing visa holders.
51% drop in F-1 visa applications.
New applicants face delays and a two-tier system.

Zimbabwe: Partial Ban and Tourism VAT Impact

Zimbabwe is under a partial U.S. travel ban, which impacts immigrant visas but leaves non-immigrant visas like B-1/B-2 (tourist) and F-1 (student) visas open for processing. The grandfather clause provides significant relief for Zimbabwean nationals who already hold valid U.S. visas, ensuring they can travel without disruption. However, new applicants face obstacles, particularly due to the 15.5% tourism VAT imposed by the Zimbabwean government, which raises the cost of international travel for Zimbabweans. Although the grandfather clause protects existing visa holders, it does not resolve the financial burden that the new VAT imposes on potential travelers. Additionally, while tourist and business visas remain available, the backlog of applicants at consular posts continues to delay processing. The grandfather clause allows Zimbabweans to continue traveling on valid visas, but the tourism VAT creates additional challenges for new travelers, making it more difficult for Zimbabwean nationals to secure travel funds and make plans.

Grandfather clause protects existing visa holders from the ban.
Tourism VAT increases travel costs for Zimbabweans.
Non-immigrant visas like B-1/B-2 remain available.
Existing visa holders can travel without disruptions.

Kenya: Caught in the Immigrant Visa Freeze, but No Full Ban

Kenya is not on the list for a full U.S. travel ban, but its nationals are affected by the 75-country immigrant visa freeze, which prevents Kenyan citizens from applying for immigrant visas. The grandfather clause protects those with valid visas, allowing them to continue their travel and stay in the U.S. without issues. However, the immigrant visa freeze impacts many Kenyan nationals in the diaspora, especially those seeking to bring their families to the U.S. The 130,000+ Kenyan diaspora is particularly affected, as they face delays in securing family reunification visas. While non-immigrant visas, such as tourist and student visas, remain unaffected, the grandfather clause allows those who have already obtained their visas to travel as planned. This provision is particularly important for the large number of Kenyan students and workers who may already have established ties with the U.S. Even though the immigrant visa freeze limits the ability to reunite with family or secure long-term residency, the grandfather clause provides a safety net for those with existing immigration benefits or valid travel documents.

Immigrant visa freeze affects 130,000+ Kenyan nationals.
Grandfather clause protects current visa holders.
No full ban, but delays persist for immigrant visa applicants.
Family reunification is delayed due to the freeze.

Ethiopia: Visa Validity Reduced and TPS Expiring

Ethiopia’s nationals face reduced visa validity, affecting various visa categories, including tourist (B-1/B-2) and student (F-1) visas. The grandfather clause allows those who already hold valid visas to continue traveling without facing the new restrictions. However, Ethiopia’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is set to expire in February 2026, adding additional uncertainty. Over 278,000 Ethiopian nationals are affected by these changes, as their ability to apply for new visas or extend their current status is limited. The grandfather clause provides protection for those who have already secured visas or are in the U.S. legally, but those applying for new visas face significant delays and complications, particularly with the looming expiration of TPS. Ethiopian nationals are caught in a challenging situation, as the grandfather clause offers limited relief for future visa applicants.

TPS expiring in February 2026 adds uncertainty.
Grandfather clause protects existing visa holders.
Visa validity reduced for new applicants.
Over 278,000 Ethiopians affected by the restrictions.

Somalia: Full Ban with Limited Family Reunification Exemptions

Somalia remains under a full U.S. travel ban since 2017, with only limited exemptions for certain individuals. The grandfather clause offers some protection for those who were already in the U.S. or held valid visas before the ban was implemented. However, the ban severely limits the ability of Somali nationals to travel to the U.S., especially since family reunification exemptions were eliminated under the latest travel ban. While the grandfather clause allows those with existing visas to maintain their status, it does not significantly ease the travel restrictions for future applicants. Somali nationals are among the most severely affected, as the grandfather clause provides only minimal relief in the face of the full ban and the lack of family-based visa options. Somali nationals must navigate a highly restricted visa process, where even existing visa holders face challenges with consular services and long wait times, given the diplomatic tensions and limited processing capacity in Somalia.

Full ban limits travel for Somali nationals.
Grandfather clause protects existing visa holders.
Family reunification exemptions eliminated for Somalis.
Limited consular services further complicate travel plans.

Sudan: Full Ban and Severe Impact from Civil War

Sudan faces the most severe cumulative impact under the U.S. travel ban, with a full ban in place and the additional complications of ongoing civil war. The grandfather clause offers some protection for Sudanese nationals who were already in the U.S. or held valid visas before the ban was imposed. However, the civil war has severely disrupted Sudanese nationals’ ability to secure travel documents, making it difficult for them to even access consular services. The grandfather clause allows those already in the U.S. to remain without facing deportation, but for new applicants, the situation is dire. With disrupted consular operations and the instability in Sudan, Sudanese nationals are among the most disadvantaged, with limited opportunities to travel to the U.S. The grandfather clause provides some relief but does not alleviate the broader geopolitical and logistical issues affecting Sudanese nationals.

Full ban severely impacts Sudanese nationals.
Grandfather clause offers protection for existing visa holders.
Civil war makes consular access difficult.
Limited opportunities for new applicants to travel.

Chad: Full Ban and Diplomatic Tensions Impacting Travel

Chad is subject to a full U.S. travel ban, which severely restricts the ability of its nationals to enter the United States. The grandfather clause offers limited relief for those who already hold valid visas or are already in the U.S., allowing them to maintain their status without further disruption. However, for those outside the U.S., the ban effectively prevents them from applying for most U.S. visas, including immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas. Chad’s diplomatic relationship with the U.S. has been historically strained, contributing to the prolonged restrictions on travel. While the grandfather clause helps those already in the U.S., the full travel ban continues to prevent Chadian nationals from being able to reunite with family members or visit the U.S. for business or tourism. Moreover, applicants who had hoped to apply for a visa have been left with limited options, as consular access remains restricted. The grandfather clause does not significantly ease the challenges faced by new applicants in Chad, leaving them in limbo with no clear pathway to U.S. entry.

Full ban severely restricts travel for Chadian nationals.
Grandfather clause protects existing visa holders.
Diplomatic tensions with the U.S. contribute to the ongoing ban.
Limited consular access leaves new applicants with few options.

Grandfather Clauses in the December 2025 and January 2026 U.S. Travel Bans

The December 2025 and January 2026 U.S. travel bans, which targeted several countries with either full or partial visa restrictions, included important grandfather clauses to protect individuals who had pre-existing rights or status in the U.S. These provisions ensured that individuals who met certain criteria would not be subjected to the new restrictions. According to the grandfather clause, the ban applied only to nationals who were outside the U.S. as of the effective dates — December 2025 and January 2026 — and did not hold a valid U.S. visa. The key exemptions under the grandfather clause included:

Valid visa holders: Individuals holding a valid visa as of the effective date were exempt from the ban.
Physical presence in the U.S.: Those who were already physically present in the U.S. were exempt from the restrictions.
Green card holders: Lawful permanent residents were fully exempt from the travel ban.
Dual nationals: Those traveling on passports from non-restricted countries were exempt from the restrictions.
Immediate family immigrants: Spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens could still obtain visas under the grandfather clause.
Adoption visas: Holders of IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, and IH-4 visas were exempt.
Afghan SIV holders: Special Immigrant Visa applicants who had assisted the U.S. government were also exempt.
Athletes/coaches: Individuals traveling for major sporting events like the World Cup or Olympics were exempt.
Refugees/asylees: Those who had already been admitted as refugees or granted asylum were also exempt from the ban.

These provisions were critical in mitigating the disruptions caused by the travel bans, ensuring that individuals with established U.S. connections were not unfairly impacted by the newly imposed restrictions.

Impact of US Travel Restrictions on African Nations: Breakdown by Restriction Type

As of 2026, a total of 39 African nations are impacted by varying levels of U.S. travel restrictions, with some countries facing full bans and others experiencing partial restrictions or immigrant visa freezes. The restrictions are categorized into three main types: Full Travel Ban, Partial Travel Ban, and Immigrant Visa Freeze.

Full Travel Ban (12 countries): These nations face a complete suspension of entry, meaning that both tourist and immigrant visas are effectively unavailable. The countries on this list include Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Partial Travel Ban & Immigrant Visa Freeze (27 countries): These nations face a combination of restricted tourist travel and an indefinite pause on immigrant visas. The Partial Ban + Freeze includes countries like Angola, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Freeze Only countries, such as Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, and Morocco, are specifically subject to a suspension of new Green Card applications.

The reasons behind these policies are primarily vetting and security concerns, with the U.S. government citing deficiencies in screening and information-sharing from certain countries. Additionally, the Immigrant Visa Freeze targets nations deemed high risk for public charge concerns, with the U.S. claiming that these countries may rely too heavily on public welfare benefits. However, these restrictions apply primarily to individuals outside the U.S. who did not have a valid visa before January 1, 2026. Green Card holders and dual nationals using passports from non-banned countries are generally exempt.

This complex web of travel restrictions significantly impacts tourism and immigration patterns between Africa and the U.S., causing delays and uncertainties for many travelers.

Zimbabwe, along with Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, and over 30 other African countries, faces a visa freeze and travel ban. However, a crucial loophole allows some travelers to secure seamless entry to the U.S. despite these restrictions.

Conclusion

Nigeria, along with Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, and over thirty other African countries, continues to cope with the challenges posed by the U.S. visa freeze and travel ban. Despite these restrictions, many individuals are finding ways to secure seamless entry to the U.S. by utilizing specific loopholes or exemptions. These provisions offer some relief, allowing travelers with existing valid visas or particular circumstances to bypass some of the restrictions. While the broader visa freeze and travel bans remain in place, these measures provide a critical path forward for those affected, ensuring that they can still pursue their travel and immigration goals despite the challenging circumstances. (TTW)

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