U.S. SLASHES MULTI‑ENTRY VISAS FOR CAMEROON, ETHIOPIA, GHANA, NIGERIA

The U.S. Department of State has overhauled non-immigrant visa policy for citizens of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria, shifting to single-entry validity with a three-month lifespan—down from the previous standard of two-year maximum, multiple-entry visas. In response, Nigeria reaffirmed it continues granting U.S. citizens five-year multi-entry visas and protested the U.S. decision as unjust and disproportionate, citing concern over its impact on educational and cultural exchanges.
The State Department framed the changes as part of a “global reciprocity realignment,” citing compliance with standards such as secure travel documents, visa overstay metrics, and law enforcement data sharing. Ghana expressed hope for “early resolution,” emphasizing that over 28,500 multi-entry U.S. visas had already been issued this year. Analysts have varying explanations: some see classic diplomatic tit-for-tat visa reciprocity, while others contend it reflects unease with Nigeria’s BRICS engagement—especially after President Tinubu’s recent participation in the BRICS summit.
The U.S. maintains the policy is “under ongoing review” and contingent on evolving benchmarks. However, Trinidad-based immigration lawyer Godwin Oke notes that the move could significantly reduce student and business travel from Africa, potentially disrupting relations rooted in longstanding educational partnerships.