Ghana Responds to US Visa Restrictions

The Government of Ghana has officially responded to the recent decision by the United States to revise its visa reciprocity schedule, a move that has significantly impacted Ghanaian travelers.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana expressed concern over the reduction of B1/B2 visa validity for Ghanaians—from five-year multiple entry to three-month single entry—under the new U.S. directive affecting several African nations.

The Ministry acknowledged the legitimate frustration of Ghanaians who frequently travel to the United States for professional, educational, medical, business, and family reasons. It assured the public of the government’s solidarity and pledged to work towards a resolution that alleviates the inconvenience.

Ghana, while recognizing the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa policies, emphasized that the recent changes sharply deviate from the previously reciprocal arrangements maintained between the two nations. The Ministry noted that the government is studying the situation carefully and remains committed to dialogue with its longstanding partner, the U.S. Government.

“We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision,” the statement read, pointing out that confirmed cases of overstays are central to the U.S. decision. The Ministry said efforts will be made to ensure that Ghanaian applicants strictly comply with U.S. visa application procedures moving forward.

The Ministry also highlighted that between January 2025 and now, Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Washington D.C. and New York issued over 40,648 visas to U.S. nationals, with 28,626 of them being multiple-entry visas. This, according to the Ministry, underscores Ghana’s commitment to equitable visa arrangements. Under Ghana’s policy, U.S. citizens are typically granted five-year multiple-entry visas, consistent with existing bilateral agreements.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to mutual respect and cooperation and called for an expeditious review of the new U.S. policy to restore fairness and reciprocity in visa practices between the two countries.