The Government of Ghana has officially reacted to the recent US three-month visa rule, which now limits Ghanaian travellers to a single-entry visa valid for just 90 days. This adjustment, made under the US visa reciprocity policy, affects multiple African countries, including Ghana.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana described the new US three-month visa rule as a departure from the long-standing agreement between both nations. Previously, Ghanaians could apply for five-year multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, education, and family visits.
According to Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the government has never changed its visa policy toward US citizens. In fact, between January and July 2025, Ghana issued over 40,000 visas to American passport holders—nearly 29,000 of which were multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.
The Ministry emphasized that while Ghana respects the sovereignty of the United States in determining its visa policies, it finds the current situation unfortunate. The main reason cited by the US for implementing the US three-month visa rule is the high rate of visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals, particularly students. Reports indicate that Ghana’s visa overstay rate is currently at 21%, exceeding the US’s acceptable limit of 15%.
Ghana, however, maintains that it continues to issue long-term visas to US citizens based on passport validity and other considerations. Visa options include six-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year multiple-entry visas.
The Ministry rejected claims that Ghana’s policies triggered the new US stance. It reaffirmed that 70.42% of visas granted to Americans were long-term and aligned with bilateral commitments.
As discussions continue, Ghana has sent senior government officials to the United States to address the issue directly. According to the Ministry, the talks were productive and opened doors for stronger collaboration.
Ghana also promised to enhance its visa control systems and educate its citizens on the importance of complying with visa regulations to help resolve concerns linked to the US three-month visa rule.
Former lawmaker Ras Mubarak expressed frustration on social media, stating that the new policy could affect travel for business, education, and tourism. He emphasized that it is impractical for professionals to apply for a visa every three months, especially when trying to build lasting international partnerships.
In response, the government is considering regional solutions as well. Mr. Mubarak announced plans for a road trip across 39 African countries to advocate for visa-free policies within Africa as an alternative to restrictive Western systems.
For now, Ghana remains hopeful that the US three-month visa rule will be reconsidered in favor of more flexible, long-term travel arrangements.
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