Accra, Ghana

February 4, 2019

As of February 4, 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Accra has discontinued the issuance of A3 and G5
visas and limited the validity of B1/B2 visas issued to certain travelers. The consular section
continues to accept visa applications as normal. Ghanaians who already have valid visas can still
travel to the United States and will not be affected by the visa restrictions.

Specifically, the U.S. Embassy in Accra has discontinued issuing A3 and G5 nonimmigrant visas
to individuals employed by Ghanaian government officials. If you are subject to this visa
restriction and you choose to apply, we will interview you but will not be able to issue a visa
until the restrictions are lifted. Please consider this carefully before you apply. Application fees
will not be refunded.

Moreover, when applying for nonimmigrant B1/B2 visas, applicants in the following categories
are now only eligible to receive single-entry visas that are valid for 30 days from the date of
issuance:
 Ghanaian executive and legislative branch officials;
 Ghanaian diplomatic and service passport holders;
 Spouses and children under 21 of the above two categories.

Before every trip to the United States, individuals who have received a single-entry, 30-day
validity visa must re-apply, complete a new DS-160, and pay a new visa fee.

These visa restrictions are limited only to the above mentioned travelers. Ghanaians who already
have a valid visa are not affected by these restrictions.

Under Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, when so requested by the
Secretary of Homeland Security due to a particular country’s refusal to accept the return of its
nationals, the U.S. Secretary of State must order consular officers to suspend or limit visas.
Sanctions on visa validity and visa issuances for affected individuals will continue until such
time as the Secretary of Homeland Security notifies the Secretary of State that Ghana has
complied with U.S. requests relating to acceptance of nationals under final orders of removal.