The United States has officially lifted the visa restrictions it imposed on Ghana earlier this year, restoring access to five-year multiple-entry visas and other enhanced consular privileges for Ghanaian travellers.
This development was directly communicated to me by the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly earlier today, Friday, September 26, 2025.
I am pleased to share that months of sustained, high-level diplomatic engagement have resulted in this positive outcome for Ghanaian citizens.
It will be recalled that in July this year, the US imposed visa restrictions on Ghana and several other countries, limiting applicants to a maximum of three-month single-entry visas.
At the time, the Trump Administration said the measures were a response to persistent visa overstays, particularly among Ghanaian students.
The reversal of these restrictions marks a renewed strengthening of ties between Ghana and the United States, ensuring that Ghanaians once again enjoy greater mobility and opportunities through expanded consular services.
Ghanaians applying for U.S. non-immigrant visas — including tourist, student, exchange, and work categories — were charged to pay an additional $250 visa integrity surcharge, following a new policy introduced by the United States government.
This new charge raises the total cost of a U.S. visa application for Ghanaians to nearly $500, excluding other expenses such as documentation, travel, and appointment fees.
