US visa curbs have been announced for some South African nationals over what Washington describes as race-based discrimination, uncompensated land seizures and the incitement of violence against minority groups.
The policy was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 15, 2026.
[[H2: US Visa Curbs Target Specific Foreign Nationals]]
The new restrictions are aimed at foreign nationals who the US says are responsible for, or complicit in, laws or policies enabling uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination or the incitement of imminent violence against minority ethnic or racial groups in South Africa.
The US has not publicly identified specific individuals who will be affected by the restrictions.
The measures therefore do not amount to a blanket visa ban on all South African citizens.
Rubio said the South African government had not adequately addressed Washington’s previously stated concerns.
The US administration has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s policies relating to racial inequality and land reform.
South Africa Rejects US Allegations
South Africa has rejected the US characterisation of its domestic policies.
Its foreign ministry said the announcement misrepresented the country’s policies and stressed South Africa’s right to make laws addressing the effects of historical racial inequality.
South African officials have also rejected claims that the government is persecuting white South Africans.
Pretoria maintains that policies involving land and racial inequality are connected to the country’s history of apartheid and efforts to address its lasting disparities.
Visa Restrictions Add to US-South Africa Tensions
The latest US visa curbs add another point of tension between Washington and Pretoria. Relations have already been strained by disagreements over South Africa’s land reform policies and other issues.
The US ambassador to South Africa has indicated that the visa restrictions could be followed by additional measures.
At the same time, South African officials have called for continued engagement through diplomatic channels.
For ordinary South African travellers, the announcement does not establish a general restriction on tourist, student or business travel to the United States.
The announced policy is directed at people Washington links to the specified laws, policies or conduct.
