Washington temporarily closes its doors to Burundians

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, August 4, 2025 – The United States Embassy in Burundi announced on Monday that the issuance of U.S. visas to Burundian citizens is temporarily suspended “due to repeated violations.” The statement reiterated that each traveler represents the hopes of their family and community, and that non-compliance with visa regulations affects the image of the entire country.

This decision is part of a general tightening of U.S. visa policy. In July, Washington had already suspended visas for Ugandan women coming to give birth in the United States. That same month, five Ugandans were arrested at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala for using false documents.

A measure prepared since June

The suspension stems from a presidential proclamation of June 9, 2025, which had already established partial restrictions targeting several countries, including the small east African nation.

New visas are banned for :

immigrant visas,

visitor visas (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2),

student visas (F, M),

scholarly exchange visas (J).

Visas issued before June 9, 2025, remain valid.

Who is affected?

Not affected : Burundians already holding valid visas, Green Card holders, and certain holders of diplomatic or international organization visas.

Affected : All new visa applications for business, study, exchange, or family visits submitted after June 9, 2025.

Why this suspension?

US authorities cite high overstay rates among Burundians :

15.35% for B-1/B-2 visas,

17.52% for F/M/J visas.

These figures, taken from a report by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are cited in the proclamation as justification for the measure.

There was no immediate public reaction from Burundian authorities, as the government is currently in office and day-to-day operations are handled by the Secretary General.

One of the most vulnerable countries

According to the World Bank, Burundi remains the poorest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita. With nearly 14 million inhabitants, three out of four Burundians live below the poverty line. For many, international opportunities represent a major hope for escaping poverty.

Expected consequences

This suspension will limit :

business travel,

family visits,

study and academic exchanges to the United States.

It does not apply to visas issued before June 9, 2025.

Despite the absence of a fully functioning government, Gitega is seeking to negotiate with Washington. In June, Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro assured that he was working with US officials on better sharing of consular data and strengthening identity verification mechanisms, in the hope of restoring access to visas.

This temporary suspension, which reinforces restrictions already imposed since June, targets only new applicants. It comes at a time when Burundi, weakened by extreme poverty and institutional instability, is seeking to avoid increasing isolation of its citizens, while Washington is tightening its migration policy in Africa.