The United States has removed Ghana—along with several other African nations—from the list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows short-term visa-free travel for tourism or business.
The updated list, published by the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, introduces Romania as a new participant while maintaining most of the countries that were previously eligible. The United Kingdom has also been excluded from the general list but remains eligible under specific travel conditions.
The Visa Waiver Programme permits citizens of participating nations to visit the US for up to 90 days without applying for a visa, provided they secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travelling and meet all other entry requirements.
US authorities explained that the latest update reflects enhanced security checks and a focus on countries with strong diplomatic relationships and robust border security systems.
Despite the change, the Bureau clarified that travellers from countries no longer on the list—including Ghana—can still apply for standard visitor visas if they wish to travel to the United States.
As of 2025, 40 countries remain part of the Visa Waiver Programme, whose members enjoy visa-free access for tourism and business purposes.
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