US tightens visa rules for travellers from four African nations

Edited by: Fatima Babadin

The United States has revised its non-immigrant visa policy for citizens of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria, now limiting most applicants to single-entry visas valid for only three months. This significant adjustment is presented by the State Department as part of a broader review aimed at standardising visa arrangements according to evolving international norms. In the past, nationals from these countries could often receive multi-entry visas spanning several years.

Authorities in Nigeria and Ghana have responded with concern, emphasising that their own visa systems already offer extended entry periods for US nationals. Ghana reported that it had granted tens of thousands of multi-entry visas to American visitors since the start of the year, while Nigeria described the new American restrictions as excessive and potentially damaging to established cultural and educational ties. Meanwhile, the US insists that these changes are based on technical and security assessments rather than diplomatic retaliation.

The revised policy arrives amid stricter visa measures recently imposed on Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan, and it comes as more Africans express a desire to study or migrate to the US, especially in countries like Nigeria where student numbers have seen notable increases. As both sides debate reciprocity and fairness, many travellers are left navigating an uncertain landscape shaped by diplomatic, security, and economic shifts.