Accra, Ghana — The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally acknowledged and responded to the U.S. government’s recent decision to sharply reduce the validity of B1/B2 visas for several African nations, including Ghana. Under the new policy, visa validity shifts from a five-year multiple-entry standard to a restrictive three-month single-entry format.
In its official press release, the Ministry expressed “firm solidarity” with Ghanaian travelers affected by the abrupt change—particularly those traveling for professional, business, educational, tourism, medical, and family reasons. While affirming the United States’ sovereign right to revise its visa policies, Ghana’s government underscored that the new limitations mark a significant departure from long-standing reciprocal arrangements between both nations.
The Ministry revealed that the Government of Ghana is actively reviewing the implications of this development and exploring appropriate responses. Nevertheless, Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate “expeditiously” with the U.S.—describing it as a “longstanding partner”—toward a swift and constructive resolution. It further acknowledged that the change stems from concerns about visa overstays, and emphasized its dedication to ensuring Ghanaian applicants meet all U.S. visa procedures and requirements.
To add context, the Ministry noted that between January 2025 and the present, Ghanaian missions in Washington D.C. and New York issued 40,648 visas—of which 28,626 were multiple-entry. According to the Ministry, bilateral agreements entitle U.S. passport holders to a five-year maximum visa validity, with multiple-entry visas issued upon request. In cases where applicants possess passports with limited validity, single-entry visas are sometimes preferred.
In response to the adjustments in U.S. visa policy, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is underscoring its own robust record of issuing multiple long-term visas to U.S. passport holders. Official statistics reveal that, on average, an impressive 70.42% of visas issued by Ghana to U.S. citizens are multiple-entry and long-term, aligning with existing bilateral agreements between the two nations.
Beyond the maximum five-year multiple-entry visas, Ghana also issues multiple-entry visas for durations of six months, one year, two years, three years, and four years, based on various considerations.
The government of President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing Ghana’s relationship with the United States. It remains dedicated to fostering cooperation across all sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.
To this end, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), the Minister for Foreign Affairs, recently led a delegation of high-level officials to the United States. The team engaged in discussions with their U.S. counterparts on matters of mutual concern. These discussions reportedly yielded “significant outcomes” and established a clear path for further fruitful engagements.
Ghana’s government pledges to continue its efforts, at the highest levels, to strengthen relations with the United States in a way that further enhances people-to-people connections, serving the shared interests of both nations.
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