Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the U.S. visa restrictions placed on Ghana have been reversed.
In July this year, Ghana faced a maximum three-month single-entry visa and other limitations from the United States. The restrictions were due to concerns over visa overstays, weak identity verification, and inadequate cooperation with U.S. immigration enforcement.
In a Facebook post on September 26, 2025, the minister stated that Ghanaians are now eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas, along with other improved consular benefits.
“Big win for Ghana! The U.S. visa restrictions imposed on Ghana have been reversed. Ghanaians are now eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas and other enhanced consular privileges,” he wrote.
According to him, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, personally informed him of this positive development during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“This good news was directly communicated to me by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, at a bilateral meeting earlier today, on the margins of the UN General Assembly.”
The reversal now allows Ghanaians to benefit from extended visa validity periods. Specifically, B1/B2 visitor visas—which are combination visas allowing individuals to engage in both business (B1) and tourism (B2) activities during their stay—are valid for up to five years with multiple entries. Meanwhile, F1 student visas, which allow students to study in the U.S. for the duration of their program with possible extensions, are valid for up to four years with multiple entries.
—
Story by Hussein Habibata Maltiti | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
