U.S. slashes visa duration for some African nationals amid policy shift
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The U.S. tightens visa rules for Nigerians and Ghanaians, limiting travelers to single-entry visas valid for three months amid sweeping immigration policy changes.
U.S. Limits Visas for Nigerians and Ghanaians in Major Policy Shift
The United States has implemented new visa restrictions on Nigeria and Ghana, significantly reducing the duration and frequency of non-immigrant visas for both nations. According to a notice issued Tuesday by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, tourist, business, and academic travelers from the two West African countries will now receive single-entry visas valid for only three months.
This new policy marks a major shift in U.S. immigration strategy and will affect non-diplomatic and non-immigrant applicants seeking to travel to the U.S. for short-term visits. The changes take effect immediately and apply to all new visa applications made after July 8, 2025.
A Reciprocity-Based Justification
The U.S. Embassy emphasized that the decision is based on reciprocity principles, meaning the U.S. is adjusting its visa policies to mirror those enforced by Nigeria and Ghana on American citizens.
“Visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time,” the embassy said. “This can include increasing or decreasing permitted entries and visa validity.”
The statement added that existing visas issued before July 8 will remain valid according to their original terms.
Although the embassy reiterated the strength of U.S.-Nigeria relations, many see this move as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy, especially from Africa and other developing regions.
Ghana Also Hit with Visa Restrictions
The same policy now affects Ghanaian nationals, who are similarly restricted to single-entry, three-month visas for tourism, business, or study purposes. The change was confirmed by Business Insider Africa on Wednesday, citing diplomatic sources.
Before this adjustment, many Nigerian and Ghanaian travelers were eligible for multiple-entry visas lasting up to two or five years, offering more flexibility for frequent visitors. The new restriction not only limits mobility but also increases the financial and logistical burden on travelers from these countries.
Part of a Broader Anti-Immigration Agenda
The visa restrictions are the latest in a series of controversial immigration reforms under U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in November 2024 after campaigning on a platform to reduce immigration and impose stricter vetting processes.
Just last month, on June 5, the Trump administration announced a new travel ban affecting 12 nations, including Chad, Eritrea, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and the Republic of Congo—many of which are in Africa.
A week later, an internal cable from the U.S. State Department revealed that another 36 countries—including Nigeria and Ghana—were under review for possible inclusion in future travel bans due to alleged connections to terrorism, anti-Semitism, or anti-American activity.
Observers say the cumulative effect of these measures represents a growing rift between the U.S. and parts of Africa, especially at a time when other powers like China and Russia are increasing their influence on the continent.
Mixed Reactions from African Leaders
Although both Nigerian and Ghanaian governments have not officially responded to the new visa policy, political analysts suggest it could trigger diplomatic pushback or reciprocal actions.
“This is a significant downgrade in how the U.S. views African mobility,” said Adewale Thompson, a Nigerian foreign affairs analyst. “It could impact business, education, and family visits in a very real way.”
The decision comes at a time when Nigeria and Ghana are both grappling with economic hardships, youth unemployment, and emigration surges, making access to U.S. opportunities even more essential for many.
Uncertainty Ahead
While the U.S. Embassy insists that the policy is subject to future review, it remains unclear whether favorable adjustments will be made anytime soon, particularly under the current administration.
For now, Nigerians and Ghanaians will need to re-apply for a new visa for every trip, as multi-year and multiple-entry visas are no longer available for non-immigrant purposes. The move may deter potential travelers and complicate academic and commercial exchanges between the U.S. and West Africa.
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