Here is how Ghana responded to US visa restrictions

The Government of Ghana has officially addressed the recent changes to U.S. visa rules that significantly reduce the validity of B1/B2 visas for Ghanaian travelers—from five years with multiple entries to just three months with a single entry.

In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed concern over the new restrictions, describing them as a sharp departure from the longstanding reciprocal visa agreements between Ghana and the United States.

The Ministry acknowledged the inconvenience these changes would cause to Ghanaian citizens planning to travel to the U.S. for professional, business, educational, medical, tourism, or family reasons.

While reaffirming that every country has the sovereign right to determine its visa policies, the statement emphasized that the U.S. decision does not reflect the spirit of mutual cooperation that has traditionally guided relations between the two countries.

“Ghana recognizes the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime, but notes that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially [from] the prior reciprocal arrangements,” the statement read.

Despite this development, the government said it remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the United States and is actively working to resolve the underlying issues behind the new restrictions.

The Ministry acknowledged that confirmed visa overstays by some Ghanaians contributed to the U.S. decision. It gave the assurance that steps are being taken to ensure Ghanaian travelers comply strictly with visa rules and requirements in the future.

From January to July 2025, Ghanaian diplomatic missions in Washington D.C. and New York issued a total of 40,648 visas. Of these, 28,626—approximately 70.42%—were multiple-entry visas granted to U.S. passport holders. The Ministry pointed out that this practice is consistent with Ghana’s bilateral commitments and goodwill toward the U.S.

The Ministry also clarified that Ghana currently provides U.S. citizens with long-term visa options of up to five years, in addition to shorter durations ranging from six months to four years, depending on eligibility.