US Cuts Visa Duration for Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia

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Key Takeaways

• From July 8, 2025, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia get 3-month single-entry non-immigrant US visas.
• Cameroon applicants must attend in-person interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.
• Diplomatic, K1/K2, and K3/K4 visa holders are exempt from new short validity and entry rules.

The United States 🇺🇸 has made major changes to its non-immigrant visa rules for people from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. These changes started right away after announcements on July 8 and July 9, 2025. If you are from one of these countries and want to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for business, tourism, study, or other short-term reasons, it is important to know how these new rules affect you, what you need to do next, and what this means for your travel plans.

What Has Changed?

US Cuts Visa Duration for Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia

The biggest change is that most non-immigrant visas for people from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia are now valid for only three months and allow just one entry into the United States 🇺🇸. This means that after you enter the country, if you leave—even before your three months are up—you will need to apply for a new visa to return. Before this change, many people from these countries could get visas that lasted up to two years and allowed them to enter and leave the United States 🇺🇸 multiple times.

Who Is Affected?

These new rules apply to almost everyone from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia who is applying for a non-immigrant visa on or after July 8, 2025. Non-immigrant visas are for people who want to visit the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily, such as:

B1/B2 visas: For business or tourism
F-1 visas: For students
Other non-diplomatic visas: For short-term work, exchange programs, or other temporary reasons

If you already have a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa that was issued before July 8, 2025, you can use it as normal until it expires. The new rules do not change the terms of visas issued before this date.

Effective Dates and Key Deadlines

Effective Date: The new rules started immediately after the announcements on July 8–9, 2025.
Visa Issue Date Matters: Only visas issued on or after July 8, 2025, are affected by the new rules. Visas issued before this date keep their original validity and entry terms.

Summary of the New Rules

Visa Validity: Three months (90 days) from the date of issue
Entry Type: Single-entry only (one trip per visa)
Visa Categories Affected: Most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, including B1/B2 and F-1
Countries Affected: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia
Special Rule for Cameroon: All non-immigrant visa applicants must now attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé

Who Is Not Affected?

Some people are not affected by these new rules:

Diplomatic visa holders (A-class): Still get multiple-entry visas valid for 24–60 months
K1/K2 visas (fiancé(e) and children): Still single-entry, valid for six months
K3/K4 visas (spouses and dependents): Still multiple-entry, valid for two years

Why Did the United States 🇺🇸 Make These Changes?

The U.S. government says this is a “reciprocity realignment.” This means the United States 🇺🇸 wants to match the visa rules that these countries use for Americans. For example, Nigeria gives Americans only single-entry, three-month visas, so the United States 🇺🇸 is now doing the same for Nigerians.

There are also other reasons:

Security Concerns: The U.S. is worried about the security of travel documents, high rates of people staying in the country after their visa expires (overstays), and not enough sharing of information about crime and security.
Broader Immigration Crackdown: This change is part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to tighten immigration rules and make sure visitors follow the law.
Pressure for Change: In June 2025, the U.S. warned 36 countries (including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia) that they could face more restrictions or even travel bans if they do not improve their security and information-sharing within 60 days.

What Do You Need to Do Now?

If you are from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, or Ethiopia and want to apply for a U.S. non-immigrant visa, here are the steps you should follow:

Check Your Visa Issue Date
- If your visa was issued before July 8, 2025, you can use it as normal until it expires.
- If you are applying now or in the future, your visa will be valid for only three months and for a single entry.
Plan Your Trip Carefully
- Since your visa is now single-entry, you can only enter the United States 🇺🇸 once. If you leave, you must apply for a new visa to return—even if your three months are not finished.
- Make sure your travel plans fit within the three-month window.
Prepare for the Application Process
- Gather all required documents. Make sure everything is current, real, and correct.
- Be ready for longer processing times. The U.S. is now checking applications more closely.
- If you are applying from Cameroon, you must go to the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé for an in-person interview.
Follow the Rules
- Do not overstay your visa. If you stay longer than allowed, you could be banned from the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time or even for life.
- Do not work or study unless your visa allows it.
Stay Informed
- The U.S. government says these rules could change again. Check the official U.S. embassy website for your country and the U.S. Department of State for the latest updates. You can find the official visa information at the U.S. Department of State Visa Reciprocity Schedule.

What About Pending Applications?

If you applied for a U.S. non-immigrant visa before July 8, 2025, and your visa is approved, you should receive the old, longer validity and multiple-entry terms. If your application is still being processed and your visa is issued on or after July 8, 2025, the new three-month, single-entry rule will apply.

If you are unsure about your application status, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where you applied. They can tell you if your visa will be under the old or new rules.

How Does This Affect Students, Tourists, and Business Travelers?

Students (F-1 visas): You can now only get a visa for three months and one entry. This makes it harder to travel home during school breaks or emergencies, as you would need to apply for a new visa each time you leave the United States 🇺🇸.
Tourists and Business Travelers (B1/B2 visas): You must finish your trip within three months and cannot leave and re-enter on the same visa.
People Attending Conferences or Events: You need to plan carefully to make sure your visa covers the full length of your stay.

Special Note for Cameroon Applicants

All non-immigrant visa applicants in Cameroon must now attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé. This new rule may make the process longer and more difficult, so plan ahead and book your appointment as early as possible.

Why Is the United States 🇺🇸 Doing This Now?

The U.S. government says these changes are part of a regular review to make sure visa rules are fair and match what other countries do for Americans. They also want to improve security and reduce the number of people who stay in the United States 🇺🇸 after their visa expires.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move is also part of a larger trend under President Trump’s administration to make immigration rules stricter, especially for countries that do not meet new security standards or have high rates of visa overstays.

What Are the Reactions So Far?

U.S. Government: Officials say this is a normal process and that they are open to changing the rules again if countries like Nigeria improve their passport security and share more information about crime and security.
African Governments: Nigeria and other affected countries have criticized the new rules, saying they will hurt students, businesses, and cultural exchanges. They are asking the United States 🇺🇸 to reconsider, especially because of the long-standing relationships between these countries.
United Nations: The UN Mission in Nigeria has told people to follow the new rules but is also asking for talks to bring back longer, multiple-entry visas.

What Could Happen Next?

More Countries Could Be Affected: The United States 🇺🇸 has warned that up to 36 other countries could face similar rules or even travel bans if they do not improve their security and information-sharing within 60 days from June 2025.
Rules Could Change Again: The U.S. says it is willing to bring back longer, multiple-entry visas if countries meet the new standards.
Ongoing Talks: U.S. embassies are talking with the governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia to try to solve these issues and possibly relax the new rules in the future.

Practical Tips for Applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia

Apply Early: Because of the new rules and possible delays, start your visa application as soon as you know your travel plans.
Be Honest: Make sure all your documents are real and your application is truthful. Any false information can lead to a permanent ban.
Keep Copies: Save copies of all your application documents and emails with the embassy.
Check for Updates: Rules may change again. Always check the official embassy website for your country before you apply or travel.
Understand the Risks: Overstaying your visa or breaking the rules can have serious consequences, including being banned from the United States 🇺🇸.

Where to Get Official Information

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, visit the official U.S. embassy website for your country:

If you are applying for a specific visa, such as the B1/B2 or F-1, you can find the official application form DS-160 here.

Summary Table: U.S. Visa Policy Changes (as of July 11, 2025)

Country	New Visa Validity	Entry Type	Categories Affected	Exemptions/Notes
Nigeria	3 months	Single-entry	Most non-immigrant/non-diplomatic	Diplomatic, K3/K4, K1/K2 as above
Ghana	3 months	Single-entry	Most non-immigrant/non-diplomatic	Diplomatic, K3/K4, K1/K2 as above
Cameroon	3 months	Single-entry	Most non-immigrant/non-diplomatic	In-person interview required
Ethiopia	3 months	Single-entry	Most non-immigrant/non-diplomatic

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

If you are from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, or Ethiopia and need a U.S. non-immigrant visa, expect a three-month, single-entry visa if you apply on or after July 8, 2025.
Plan your trip carefully, as you cannot leave and re-enter the United States 🇺🇸 on the same visa.
Make sure your documents are complete and correct, and do not overstay your visa.
Check the official embassy and U.S. Department of State websites for the latest updates before you apply or travel.
If you already have a valid visa issued before July 8, 2025, you can use it as normal until it expires.

These changes are significant and may affect your travel, study, or business plans. Stay informed, follow the rules, and reach out to your local U.S. embassy if you have questions about your specific situation.

Learn Today

Non-immigrant Visa → Temporary visa for visitors wanting business, tourism, study, or short-term stays in the U.S.
Single-entry → Visa term allowing only one entry to the U.S.; re-entry requires a new visa.
Reciprocity → Matching visa conditions one country applies based on what another country offers its citizens.
Overstay → When a visitor remains in the U.S. after their visa expires, risking bans or penalties.
In-person Interview → Mandatory face-to-face visa application meeting, required specifically for Cameroon applicants.

This Article in a Nutshell

Effective July 8, 2025, non-immigrant visas for Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia now last three months with single entry. This change affects students, tourists, and business travelers, emphasizing careful planning, honest applications, and vigilance about visa expiration to comply with stricter U.S. immigration policies.
— By VisaVerge.com