U.S. Slashes Visa Validity for Ghanaians to Just 3 Months
New policy affects student, business, and travel visa applicants, replacing 5-year multiple entry with single-entry permits
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
In a significant policy shift, the United States government has revised its visa regime for Ghanaians, drastically reducing the validity period for certain non-immigrant visas.
Effective immediately, Ghanaian applicants for student, business, and travel visas—specifically the B1/B2 categories—will only be granted visas valid for three months with single-entry access. This marks a sharp departure from the previous arrangement, which allowed for five-year multiple-entry visas.
The change means that Ghanaians travelling to the U.S. for education, tourism, or business will now have to reapply and pay the requisite fees for each visit, potentially increasing both the financial and administrative burden for frequent travellers.
U.S. authorities have yet to publicly explain the rationale behind the move. However, analysts believe the decision may be part of a broader diplomatic or immigration enforcement strategy.
The development has sparked concern among Ghanaian students and businesspeople who frequently travel to the U.S. Many have called for government engagement to seek clarification or renegotiation.
As the U.S. continues to evaluate its global visa policies, the implications of this decision could affect bilateral relations and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
