Ghana Responds to US Visa Restrictions
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a press release regarding the recent changes to the US visa policy affecting Ghanaian travelers. The US government has revised its reciprocity schedule, reducing the B1/B2 visa validity for Ghanaians from 5 years with multiple entries to 3 months with single entry.
The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travelers who will be impacted by the new visa restrictions, affecting their professional, business, educational, touristic, medical, and family purposes. Ghana recognizes the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime but notes that the present limitations imposed by the US vary substantially from prior reciprocal arrangements.
According to the Ministry, Ghana’s missions in Washington D.C. and New York have issued 40,648 visas from January 2025 to date, with 28,626 being multiple-entry visas. Notably, 70.42% of visas issued to US passport holders are multiple long-term visas, consistent with bilateral arrangements.
The Government of Ghana remains committed to working with the US government to find an early resolution to the concerns that led to the revision of the schedule, which has been confirmed to be related to overstays. To this end, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recently led a team of high-level officials to discuss issues of concern with their US counterparts. This diplomatic effort resulted in significant outcomes and a clear pathway for further engagements.
Ghana is committed to sustaining efforts to strengthen relations with the US, enhancing people-to-people relations in the mutual interest of both countries. This commitment underscores Ghana’s dedication to maintaining robust diplomatic ties with the US, despite the current visa policy changes ¹.
