New U.S. Visa Rules Limit Entry for Ghanaian Travelers
The United States has updated its visa rules for Ghana, shortening the duration and limiting the number of entries for most short-term visa holders.
Under the new policy shared by the U.S. Department of State, only a few categories will still enjoy extended access. Diplomats and government officials with A-class visas will continue to receive visas valid for two to five years with multiple entries allowed. Those applying for the K1 visa, intended for a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, and the K2 visa, for their under-21 children, will be issued single-entry visas valid for six months.
The K3 visa (for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens) and the K4 visa (for their under-21 children) remain valid for two years and allow multiple entries.
However, the biggest shift affects most other applicants, including those traveling for business or tourism on B-class visas. These individuals will now receive a single-entry visa valid for just three months. Students under the F-1 visa category, who were once allowed multiple entries during their studies, are now limited to a single entry with a three-month validity.
Previously, many Ghanaians enjoyed visas that allowed multiple entries over several years. The revised terms now mean that anyone hoping to travel to the U.S. more than once will need to reapply for each trip.
This change is part of the U.S.’s global approach to visa reciprocity—adjusting visa conditions based on how other countries treat American travelers. A similar update was recently made for travelers from Nigeria.
While no official explanation has been provided specifically for Ghana’s new terms, such decisions are often influenced by diplomatic relations, immigration control, or evolving security assessments.
For now, Ghanaians planning frequent visits to the U.S. may face increased application costs, longer wait times, and more paperwork with each trip.
