The United States Department of State has announced significant changes to its visa policies for Ghanaian and Nigerian passport holders, effective July 8, 2025.
The new policy restricts most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, including B1/B2 (business/tourism) visas, to single-entry permits valid for three months.
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This marks a sharp reduction from the previous policy, which allowed multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years for Ghanaians and two years for Nigerians.
Visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, remain unaffected and retain their original terms and validity.
The U.S. Embassies in Accra and Abuja confirmed that the policy adjustments are reciprocal measures, aligning with the visa policies of Ghana and Nigeria toward U.S. citizens, who are issued single-entry, three-month visas in both countries.
The U.S. cited adherence to global standards for visa reciprocity, emphasizing secure travel documents, visa overstay management, and information sharing for public safety as key factors driving the change.
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The new rules particularly affect frequent travelers, including students, businesspeople, and tourists. Students on F, J, and M visas from both countries face additional scrutiny, including mandatory social media vetting, which could complicate re-entry after international travel.
Travelers from both nations are now required to complete a new DS-160 form, schedule visa interviews, and provide updated documentation for each U.S. visit.