The United States government has introduced new visa restrictions for Ghanaian nationals, limiting most non-immigrant visas to single-entry and a maximum three-month validity, effective immediately. The change, issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, affects B-class business and tourist visas as well as F‑1 student visas, dramatically reducing their previous multi-year, multiple-entry status.
Diplomatic visa categories (A-class) remain unchanged, retaining multiple entries with validity spanning 24 to 60 months. Family‑based visas show mixed adjustments: K1/K2 fiancé(e) visas are now single-entry for six months, while K3/K4 spouse/dependent visas continue to permit multiple entries for two years.
This new policy closely follows a similar restriction imposed on Nigerian citizens earlier this month, under the same visa‑reciprocity framework aimed at aligning U.S. visa terms with those other countries offer Americans. Existing Ghanaian and Nigerian visas issued before July 8, 2025, maintain their original validity; however, anyone applying afterward will be subject to the shortened terms.
Ghanaians and Nigerians planning multiple trips for business, tourism, or study will now need separate visa applications for each entry carrying higher costs and more administrative procedures. The U.S. government frames the changes as part of a global reciprocity policy based on diplomatic equity and security concerns.
