The United States has updated the US Visa policy for Nigeria and Ghana, now allowing only single-entry visas valid for three months for tourists, business, and academic travellers.
The recent adjustment in U.S. visa policies for countries like Ghana and Nigeria has sparked considerable discussion among travellers, students, and policy observers.
In this blog post, we unpack the facts, implications, and strategies you should know about the new U.S. visa regulations, especially as they relate to the B1/B2 visa category and student visas.
The Policy Shift: What Changed?
As of mid-2025, the U.S. government has revised visa reciprocity terms for nationals from Ghana and Nigeria. Based on updates published by the U.S. Department of State and corroborated by reputable immigration experts like Akpokulaw.com, visa validity periods for Ghanaians and Nigerians applying for B1 (Business), B2 (Tourist), or B1/B2 combination visas have been reduced to just 3 months, with only one entry allowed.
This is a significant change from the previous system, where B1/B2 visas were valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries, offering far more flexibility for frequent travellers, diaspora families, and entrepreneurs navigating U.S.-Africa corridors.
Additionally, F1 student visas are now also subject to these shorter validity windows and single-entry rules, a worrying development for students in long-term academic programs in the U.S.
From the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Reciprocity Schedule:
Why the Slashed Visa Validity & It Matters
According to a fact-based explainer by Dubawa Ghana, the U.S. reduced visa validity for countries like Ghana and Nigeria as part of its reciprocity policy enforcement.
This means the U.S. is aligning its visa terms with those offered to American citizens by those countries. In Ghana’s case, U.S. citizens only receive single-entry, 3-month visas, prompting the U.S. to match the same for Ghanaian applicants. The U.S. State Department has clarified that this move is not punitive, but rather aims to promote fairness and consistency in visa treatment between nations. Dubawa’s analysis reinforces that the change is a matter of diplomatic parity, not discrimination.
The implications of the new U.S. visa policy for Ghana and Nigeria are far-reaching and impactful. First, travellers can no longer use the same visa for multiple trips. Once you leave the U.S. and return home, even briefly, you must reapply for a new visa. This shift drastically reduces flexibility for both business and personal travellers.
Additionally, the visa validity period has been shortened, meaning travellers are now typically granted a maximum stay of 90 days, down from the previous allowance of up to 6 months.
The financial burden is also heavier, as each visa application costs around $160, and those who travel frequently will now face increased costs and time commitments to secure new visas for every trip. Perhaps most affected are students, especially F1 visa holders, who must reapply from scratch, including going through interviews and document checks, if they return home for semester breaks, emergencies, or holidays. This not only adds stress but also poses a risk to their academic continuity.
Conclusion
While these changes are not ideal, they are not without precedent. Visa policies are dynamic, and reciprocity can shift based on diplomatic negotiations. For now, Ghanaian and Nigerian travellers must adapt to a tighter, more regulated visa process when visiting the United States.
As a tech analyst focused on Africa’s global engagement, I view this as a wake-up call for better bilateral cooperation, stronger regional visa reforms, and a call to invest in African mobility infrastructure. Countries must also rethink how they treat foreign nationals to foster fairer global partnerships. Until then, travellers must plan smarter, prepare thoroughly, and move responsibly.
Got questions or experiences with the new visa rules? Drop them in the comments or reach out via [email/contact]. Let’s share knowledge and help each other navigate this new phase.
