The United States has updated its visa reciprocity policy for Ghana, significantly reducing the validity and number of entries for most non-immigrant visa categories. The new rules, released by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, now restrict the majority of Ghanaian applicants to single-entry visas valid for just three months.
Under the revised guidelines:
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Diplomatic and Official Travel: Holders of A-class visas, which are typically granted to diplomats and government officials, will continue to receive multiple-entry visas with durations ranging from 24 to 60 months.
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Fiancé(e) and Dependent Visas:
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The K1 visa, issued to the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, and the K2 visa, for their unmarried child under 21, remain single-entry visas valid for six months.
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The K3 visa, for a U.S. citizen’s foreign spouse, and the K4 visa, for their dependent child, will still be multiple-entry with a 24-month validity.
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Business, Tourism, and Student Visas:
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Applicants for B-class visas, which cover travel for business and tourism, will now receive only single-entry visas valid for three months.
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F-1 student visas, typically issued for full-time academic studies in the U.S., will also be limited to a single entry with a three-month validity—significantly shorter than the previous one-to-five-year multiple-entry durations many Ghanaian students received.
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This adjustment aligns with the U.S.'s global visa reciprocity policy, which aims to match the visa terms and conditions other countries offer American citizens. A similar shift was recently made for Nigerian nationals.
While Washington has not provided an official explanation for the change in Ghana’s case, such decisions are generally influenced by diplomatic relations, immigration policies, or national security assessments.
The implications for Ghanaian travelers are substantial. Individuals seeking to visit the U.S. multiple times for tourism, business, or education may now be required to reapply for a visa for each trip, adding both financial and logistical burdens.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem