US Visa Reciprocity Reduced for Citizens of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria

The United States has announced significant changes to its non-immigrant visa policies for four African nations—Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia—in a move described by the U.S. State Department as part of a "global reciprocity realignment."

Key Changes:

• Single-entry, 3-month validity for nearly all non-immigrant, non-diplomatic U.S. visas issued to citizens of these countries.

• A sharp reduction from previous terms that often allowed multiple entries over 2–5 years.

• New rules apply immediately and follow similar restrictions placed last month on Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan.

Official U.S. Justification:

According to the State Department, these visa restrictions are based on:

• Security benchmarks (e.g., overstay prevention, criminal data sharing)

• Diplomatic reciprocity

• Issuance of secure travel documents

The U.S. emphasizes that these policies are subject to ongoing review, and encourages compliance with international travel and security standards.

For Visa Applicants:

• Students and short-term travelers are advised to review updated visa terms carefully and plan accordingly.

• Advise school or employers of requirement to obtain a visa each time you depart the U.S. in case of delays.

• Be aware of your visa validity when exiting the country and if it is single or multiple entry.