New U.S. Visa Rules Take Effect for Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana Travelers

The new measures, which took effect Tuesday, are part of what U.S. officials describe as a reciprocity adjustment, aligning the treatment of visa applicants from these countries with the way U.S. citizens are treated when applying for visas to these African states.

The move, however, has already triggered widespread debate among travelers, students, businesspeople and diaspora communities.

Official Confirmation and Affected Countries

According to the U.S. Embassy Yaoundé and State Department data, the following African countries are affected as of July 9, 2025:

Nigeria
Tourist, business, student, and exchange visas are now single-entry, valid for 3 months.

Ghana
Tourist, business, student, and exchange visas are now single-entry, valid for 3 months.

Cameroon
Tourist, business, student, and exchange visas are now single-entry, valid for 3 months.

Summary Table

Diplomatic, official, and government-related visas remain exempt from this new policy.

What’s Changing?

Before Tuesday, most Cameroonian and Nigerian travelers could receive U.S. visitor visas valid for up to two years with multiple entries. Under the new policy, the validity is cut to three months, single-entry, and the issuance fee is reduced to about 35 US dollars or its equivalent in FCFA.

Additionally, the visa interview waiver program has been suspended. Everyone applying — even those renewing — must now appear in person for an interview.

The U.S. State Department said the changes bring visa issuance “in line with the treatment U.S. citizens receive from these countries.”

Impacts and Reactions

For many Cameroonians, the policy risks creating hardship, particularly for students, businesspeople, and family members who frequently travel between the two countries.

Education stakeholders warn that universities in the U.S. could see a drop in Cameroonian and Nigerian enrollments, given the inconvenience and cost of reapplying every few months.

Business leaders say it could hurt trade and discourage investment trips.

Some Cameroonians in Yaoundé and Douala expressed frustration at what they called collective punishment, while others said the lower fee may make the visa slightly more accessible for first-time applicants.

Social media has seen heated debates across Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, with many calling for African governments to re-examine their own policies toward U.S. travelers.

Why Now?

The Trump administration has signaled for months that it was reviewing visa reciprocity agreements. The decision comes amid growing anti-immigration sentiment in Washington and a push to tighten border controls.

Analysts say the move is likely intended to press African countries to offer longer visas to U.S. citizens visiting Africa.

Cameroon Concord Analysis: What Next?

For Cameroonians planning travel to the U.S.:

• Budget more time to schedule and attend an interview.

• Be mindful that the visa is only valid for a single trip within three months.

• Consider applying well in advance of your intended travel date.

The U.S. government has left the door open to future revisions if African governments adjust their own visa policies. Until then, the shorter validity and single-entry rules will remain in place.

Editor’s Note

Cameroon Concord will continue monitoring this evolving story and providing updates as more details emerge. Readers are encouraged to visit the official U.S. State Department website or their nearest consulate for the most current guidance.

Reported by the Cameroon Concord International Desk, Yaoundé.