U.S. Temporarily Bans Burundian Travelled Over Visa Violations

The United States has temporarily suspended visa access for travelers from Burundi due to “repeated violations,” the U.S. Embassy in the East African country announced on Monday.

The decision, part of a broader immigration policy under President Donald Trump, follows a partial travel ban imposed in June affecting seven countries, including Burundi. In addition, the Trump administration has enforced a full travel ban on citizens of 12 other nations, many of them among the poorest in Africa—drawing sharp criticism and legal concerns.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Embassy in Burundi stated: “Respecting visa rules isn’t just personal, it is national.”

“Sadly, due to repeated violations, U.S. visas for Burundians are temporarily banned,” it continued.

“Let us uphold the rules, because one person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation.”

The statement did not specify the nature of the violations that led to the suspension.

However, a 2024 report by U.S. authorities noted that more than 15 percent of Burundian nationals overstayed their visas. In comparison, visa overstay rates stood at 49 percent for Chadians and just 0.15 percent for Japanese travelers.

A Burundian government official, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on media comments, expressed optimism that the situation could be reversed, pointing to “ongoing talks” with U.S. officials.

Visa restrictions for Burundians began tightening in June, starting with suspensions on student and medical travel.

Countries facing a complete travel ban under Trump’s directive include the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. The administration’s order cited either the absence of reliable passport processing systems or concerns over high rates of visa overstays.

In the case of Somalia and Sudan, the policy pointed to a lack of “competent” central authorities capable of properly screening travelers.