The Government of Ghana has formally responded to the United States’ recent decision to reduce the validity of B1/B2 visas issued to Ghanaian citizens from five years multiple-entry to three months single-entry, calling the move a significant departure from existing reciprocal arrangements.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the government acknowledged the updated U.S. visa reciprocity schedule, which affects Ghana and several other African countries. It noted that while the U.S. has the sovereign right to determine its visa regime, the new restrictions mark a sharp shift from the long-standing terms previously extended to Ghanaians.
“The present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States,” the statement read.The Ministry expressed solidarity with Ghanaians affected by the change, recognizing the legitimate concerns of travelers who depend on U.S. visas for professional, academic, medical, tourism, and family-related purposes.
The government also said it is committed to working expeditiously with U.S. authorities to address the concerns that led to the visa restrictions, mainly, visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals. It also pledged to ensure that future applicants better align with the United States’ visa application procedures and requirements.
Ghana’s Visa Issuance Practices Highlighted
As part of its response, the Foreign Ministry outlined Ghana’s own visa policies toward U.S. citizens, emphasizing the country’s adherence to generous, long-term visa issuance. From January 2025 to date, Ghana’s missions in Washington, D.C. and New York have issued 40,648 visas to U.S. citizens, of which 28,626, roughly 70.4%, were multiple-entry visas.
“In most instances, five-year multiple-entry visas are issued upon request,” the statement said, noting that U.S. passport holders are eligible for up to five years of visa validity under current bilateral arrangements.
Ghana also issues multiple-entry visas with varying durations, six months, one year, two years, three years, and four years, depending on the applicant’s needs and purpose of travel.
Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement
The government emphasized that the issue is being handled at the highest levels of diplomacy. Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently led a delegation of senior officials to Washington, D.C. to engage U.S. counterparts on a range of bilateral concerns, including the visa policy changes.
According to the statement, the talks “recorded significant outcomes and set a clear pathway for further fruitful engagements.”
The statement added that the Mahama government, remains committed to deepening Ghana’s relationship with the United States across all areas of cooperation. The government pledged to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in a way that enhances both diplomatic and people-to-people relations.
As diplomatic consultations continue, the government expressed hope for a timely resolution that reflects the long-standing friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
