The United States has restored the maximum validity periods for nonimmigrant visas issued to Ghanaians, granting applicants access to long-term, multiple-entry visas while Nigerians remain subject to strict three-month, single-entry restrictions.
In an announcement posted on its official X account, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana confirmed that visa validity periods have been returned to their previous lengths.
The B1/B2 visitor visa now carries a five-year, multiple-entry validity while the F1 student visa has been extended to four years, also with multiple entries. Other categories of nonimmigrant visas have similarly been restored to long-term validity.
By contrast, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria implemented a new visa reciprocity policy in July 2025, limiting most nonimmigrant visas to a three-month maximum validity, single-entry.
The revised terms apply to tourists, business visitors, and students, significantly restricting travel flexibility and increasing costs for Nigerian applicants who must reapply for fresh visas after each visit.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja explained that the adjustment was based on reciprocity, noting that visa validity and entry allowances are continuously reviewed to ensure alignment with global standards. Unlike Ghana, Nigeria has not secured a restoration of long-term multi-entry visas for its citizens.
Diplomatic observers say the policy difference underscores the varying dynamics in U.S. relations across West Africa. While Ghanaian travelers regain ease of movement with long-term visas, Nigerians face tighter restrictions that complicate international business, academic, and personal travel.
Analysts add that the disparity may pressure Nigerian authorities to engage U.S. officials to negotiate more favorable terms, especially as the current framework disadvantages students, business professionals, and frequent travelers.