The United States has announced new visa restrictions for some South African nationals.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move on September 15, 2026.
However, the new policy does not affect every South African.
Instead, the US will target people linked to certain policies and actions.
Why the US Imposed the Restrictions
The US says the move relates to land and race policies in South Africa.
Washington has raised concerns about land reform in the country.
The US also raised concerns about race-based policies.
In addition, Washington mentioned violence against minority groups.
As a result, some people could face visa restrictions.
The US has not yet named those people.
Land Reform Remains a Big Issue
Land ownership remains a major issue in South Africa.
The problem has roots in the apartheid era.
During apartheid, the government forced many Black South Africans from their land.
Since then, South Africa has worked to change the land ownership system.
The government says land reform can help correct past wrongs.
However, the US has raised concerns about some of these plans.
Washington says some land could face seizure without payment.
South Africa rejects that view.
South Africa Responds
South Africa has rejected the US claims.
The South African government says its land policy follows the law.
It also says the policy does not target people because of their race.
Instead, officials say the reforms aim to address past land inequality.
South Africa has also defended its right to make its own laws.
Therefore, the two countries now have another major issue to discuss.
Who Could Face Visa Restrictions?
The US has not published a list of people affected by the policy.
However, the policy targets certain foreign nationals.
These include people whom the US says support racial discrimination.
It also covers people linked to land seizures without payment.
People linked to violence against minority groups could also face restrictions.
For now, there is no indication of a general visa ban on South Africans.
Ordinary travellers will not automatically face the new restrictions.
Tensions Between the Two Countries
The new policy comes as US-South Africa relations face several disagreements.
Both countries have different views on some major issues.
Land reform is one of those issues.
Race policies are another.
The two governments have also disagreed on some international matters.
Now, the new visa restrictions have added another point of tension.
The US has not said how many South Africans could face the restrictions.
Further details may come as the policy takes effect.