Ghanaians hoping to travel to the United States on non-immigrant visas will now have to pay an additional $250 as part of a controversial new policy i
Ghanaians hoping to travel to the United States on non-immigrant visas will now have to pay an additional $250 as part of a controversial new policy introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The new charge, known as the “Visa Integrity Fee”, comes under sweeping immigration reforms captured in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law on July 4, 2025.
The policy takes effect within the U.S. government’s 2025 fiscal year—from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025—and targets all travelers from countries not covered by the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
This includes Ghana, whose citizens typically apply for non-immigrant visas to study, tour, or temporarily work in the U.S.
The move, widely seen as a deterrent to illegal overstay and visa misuse, is expected to impact thousands of Ghanaian applicants, many of whom already grapple with high visa processing costs, interview delays, and stringent documentation requirements.
What the New Fee Entails
The $250 fee is in addition to standard visa charges and must be paid upfront by applicants.
According to the legislation’s Section 10007, the fee is strictly non-refundable unless specific conditions are met.
These include:
Departing the United States within five days of a visa’s expiration;
Successfully adjusting immigration status to become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
Anyone who overstays, works illegally, or violates visa terms automatically forfeits the fee.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says preparations are underway to implement the new policy, which requires coordination across multiple agencies.
The department clarified that while the logistics are not finalized, the rollout will occur before the end of the fiscal year.
The visa integrity fee will also be adjusted annually to reflect inflation.
Exemptions and Increases Elsewhere
Citizens of more than 40 countries under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program—such as the UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan—will not be subject to the $250 fee.
However, their cost of obtaining an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is also increasing—from $21 to $40.
This distinction between waiver and non-waiver countries has reignited global debates about equitable access to U.S. travel, particularly for African, Asian, and Latin American nations whose citizens must undergo full visa scrutiny.
Financial Burden on Ghanaian Travelers
For Ghanaians, the visa process is already an expensive and uncertain endeavor.
Besides application fees that can exceed $160, applicants often incur additional costs such as:
Medical examinations for student or work-related visas;
Travel to and from the U.S. Embassy in Accra for interviews;
Supporting documentation and translations;
Airfare and accommodation.
With the new $250 charge, a Ghanaian family applying for tourist visas for four members, for instance, would now face an additional $1,000 on top of existing costs—raising concerns among travel agents, students, and potential migrants about affordability and fairness.
No Official Response Yet from Ghana Government
As of now, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any formal reaction to the policy change.
It remains unclear whether the government intends to engage the U.S. Embassy in Accra or lobby for exemptions or waivers, especially for students and business travelers who frequently seek short-term stays.
This new visa integrity fee adds another layer of financial and bureaucratic hurdles for Ghanaians pursuing opportunities in the United States, underscoring the broader implications of America’s shifting immigration landscape.
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