The United States Embassy in Ghana has confirmed that Ghanaians holding valid U.S. visas will not be affected by recent changes to visa validity rules.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Online on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson assured that the new policy—which reduces B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas from five years to three months for new applicants—applies only to future issuances. “If you already have a visa, there’s no change to its status,” Olson stated. “Whether it’s five-year multiple entry or three-year, your current visa remains valid under its original terms.”
The clarification follows public concern after the U.S. State Department announced the stricter measures, limiting new visas for Ghanaians to three months with single-entry privileges. Olson explained that the adjustment is part of a global effort to enhance fraud detection and border security. “Shorter visa validities make it easier to identify and prevent fraudulent applications,” he said. The policy aligns with similar changes implemented in other countries to strengthen immigration controls.
While the new rules may inconvenience future travelers, the embassy emphasized that existing visa holders can continue to travel under their current conditions. The U.S. Mission in Ghana encourages applicants to plan ahead and ensure they meet all requirements when applying for new visas. For further details, the embassy directs the public to its official website and authorized information channels.
