The Government of Ghana has officially responded to the United States’ decision to revise visa terms for Ghanaian citizens, reducing B1/B2 visa validity from five years multiple entry to three months single entry.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government acknowledged the concerns of affected travellers and expressed solidarity with those impacted.
“The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States – for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical and family purposes – and expresses its firm solidarity with all those inconvenienced.”
While Ghana respects the US Government’s sovereign right to determine its visa regime, the Ministry noted that the new visa terms diverge significantly from previously reciprocal arrangements.
“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 that Ghana has kept with the United States.”
The government further stated that it is currently assessing the implications of the new measures but remains committed to working with the US to address the underlying concerns, which have reportedly been linked to visa overstays.
“We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule… by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States.”
The Ministry also provided statistics to underscore Ghana’s commitment to bilateral cooperation.
From January 2025 to date, 40,648 visas have been issued by Ghana’s missions in Washington D.C. and New York, with 28,626 being multiple entry visas.
“Consistent with our bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five years, and in most instances, five-year multiple entry visas are issued upon request.”
