In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns regarding new visa changes that significantly deviate from the long-standing reciprocal agreements between Ghana and the United States.
The Ministry acknowledged the challenges these changes pose for Ghanaian travelers aiming to visit the U.S. for various reasons, including business, education, medical needs, tourism, and family visits.
While affirming that each country has the right to set its own visa policies, the Ministry pointed out that the current restrictions do not align with the mutual arrangements that have been in place. “Ghana respects every nation’s right to establish its visa rules, but we believe the current U.S. limitations diverge remarkably from our previous agreements,” the statement noted.
The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the United States and is dedicated to addressing the underlying issues promptly.
The Ministry also acknowledged that confirmed visa overstays contributed to the U.S. decision and reassured that steps are being taken to ensure compliance among visa applicants. From January to July 2025, Ghana issued 40,648 visas through its embassies in Washington D.C. and New York. Of these, 28,626 were multiple-entry visas for U.S. passport holders, accounting for about 70.42% of all visas issued, in line with bilateral agreements.
Additionally, the Ministry highlighted that Ghana provides U.S. citizens with long-term visa options of up to five years, as well as shorter durations of six months, one, two, three, or four years based on eligibility.
