By: Hannah Dadzie
The Government has formally responded to the recent revision of visa reciprocity by the United States Government, which drastically reduces the validity of B1/B2 visas issued to Ghanaian nationals from five years multiple entry to just three months single entry.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government acknowledged the concerns raised by Ghanaian travelers who rely on US visas for business, education, tourism, medical and family-related purposes.
The Ministry expressed solidarity with those affected, while also emphasizing that the new US restrictions deviate significantly from previous reciprocal arrangements between the two countries.
“The Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely and considers its options,” the release stated, adding that Ghana remains committed to engaging the US Government in seeking a resolution to the issue.
The Ministry cited overstays by visa holders as one of the key concerns raised by the US that triggered the policy revision.
In response, Ghana says it will continue to ensure that visa applicants align with the relevant requirements of the United States.
According to the Ministry, from January 2025 to date, Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C. and New York have issued 40,648 visas, of which 28,626 were multiple-entry visas. The Government stressed that US citizens applying for Ghanaian visas continue to benefit from a maximum validity of five years in most cases, with multiple-entry visas granted upon request.
Contrary to misleading narratives, the Ministry revealed that 70.42% of visas issued to US passport holders are long-term, multiple-entry visas, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to maintaining favorable travel arrangements for American visitors. Besides the five-year visa option, Ghana also issues multiple-entry visas with durations of six months, one year, two years, three years, and four years, based on specific circumstances.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President John Dramani Mahama’s government remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties with the United States for mutual benefit. As part of this effort, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recently led a high-level delegation to the US to discuss the matter with American counterparts. Those talks, the Ministry said, produced meaningful outcomes and paved the way for continued engagements.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing people-to-people relations and fostering cooperation between both countries.
Full statement below:
