The United States has officially lifted the visa restrictions recently imposed on Ghanaian nationals, with immediate effect.
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana confirmed the policy reversal in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, announcing the restoration of maximum validity periods for all categories of non-immigrant visas. This aligns with a similar announcement made a day earlier by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The development is being hailed as a major diplomatic victory for Ghana, following months of negotiations aimed at repairing and strengthening bilateral relations between Accra and Washington.
Key Changes: 5-Year Visa Terms Restored
The biggest relief for Ghanaians is the reinstatement of longer, more flexible visa terms that had been cut earlier this year.
According to the U.S. Embassy:
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Business & Tourism (B1/B2 visas): Maximum validity restored to five years, multiple entry, easing travel for businesspeople, families, and frequent visitors.
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Student visas (F1): Maximum validity restored to four years, multiple entry, ensuring students no longer need annual renewals during their studies.
In its post, the Embassy stated:
“The maximum validity periods for all categories of non-immigrant visas for Ghanaians have been restored to their previous lengths.”
Diplomatic Efforts Pay Off
Minister Ablakwa confirmed that U.S. officials communicated the decision during recent bilateral talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Celebrating the breakthrough in a post on X, he wrote:
“The U.S. visa restrictions imposed on Ghana have been officially reversed. This good news was delivered during the UN General Assembly and is the result of months of high-level diplomatic negotiations. Ghanaians can now be eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas and other enhanced consular privileges.”
His remarks suggest additional travel and consular benefits may follow, pending further clarification.
Background: Why Restrictions Were Imposed
The restrictions, introduced in July 2025, had capped most non-immigrant visas for Ghanaians at just three months, single entry. Similar measures targeted applicants from countries including Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
At the time, U.S. officials cited high visa overstay rates, particularly among students, as justification for the tougher rules—describing them as part of broader efforts to curb irregular immigration.
The reversal now ends a period of heightened financial and logistical strain for Ghanaians pursuing education, business opportunities, or family visits in the U.S.
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