Washington cites alleged racial discrimination and land expropriation concerns, while Pretoria rejects the characterisation.
The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting certain South African nationals over policies that the Trump administration alleges enable racial discrimination, violence and land seizures without compensation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the new policy on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, citing concerns about South African legislation and policies affecting minority ethnic and racial groups.
The announcement did not identify the individuals affected.
US Explains Visa Restrictions
According to Rubio, the restrictions target foreign nationals responsible for, or complicit in, policies involving uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination and the incitement of imminent violence against minority groups.
The measures do not constitute a general visa ban on South African citizens.
The US administration has also criticised South Africa’s land reform policies and legislation designed to address inequalities linked to the apartheid era.
South Africa Rejects Washington’s Position
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola criticised the announcement, saying Washington had misrepresented the country’s domestic policies.
Pretoria maintains that its land reform measures seek to address historical inequalities rather than target people based on race.
South Africa has also rejected allegations that white citizens, including Afrikaners, face systematic persecution or “white genocide.”
Diplomatic Tensions Continue
The latest restrictions add to growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
The Trump administration has previously reduced assistance to South Africa and taken other diplomatic measures linked to disagreements over domestic policies and foreign affairs.
The United States has warned of further action, while South Africa continues to defend its sovereignty and right to pursue policies addressing historical racial inequality.
The identities of those affected by the new visa restrictions and the specific cases involved remain undisclosed.
