New U.S. Visa Policy to slap Ghanaians with extra $250 fee

Ghanaians seeking to travel to the United States on non-immigrant visas will now have to pay an additional $250 following the introduction of a new visa integrity surcharge by the U.S. government.

The fee, which applies to tourist, student, exchange, and temporary work visas, brings the total cost of a U.S. visa application for many Ghanaians to nearly $500—excluding travel, documentation, and other processing expenses.

A report notes that the surcharge targets applicants from countries like Ghana that are not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. 

Travellers from nations such as the UK, Japan, and Australia—who qualify for visa-free short-term visits via the ESTA system—are exempt from the fee.

The $250 charge forms part of Section 10007 of a new U.S. immigration reform law and is non-waivable and non-reducible under any circumstances. However, applicants may be eligible for a refund only if they strictly follow U.S. immigration laws—for example, by leaving within five days of visa expiry or gaining legal permanent residency during their stay.

Violations such as overstaying or unauthorized work will automatically lead to forfeiture of the fee.

In addition to the visa surcharge, the U.S. has also raised the cost of Form I-94—used to track entry and exit—from $6 to $24, further increasing the financial burden on travelers.

While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says the system for collecting the fee is not yet operational, the policy is expected to be enforced before the end of the current fiscal year. Officials say the initiative is part of broader efforts to tighten immigration oversight and ensure compliance.

The fee will be subject to annual adjustments based on inflation.

Meanwhile, the cost of applying for ESTA, the electronic visa alternative available to citizens from over 40 countries, will rise from $21 to $40.

In 2024 alone, nearly 11 million non-immigrant visas were issued globally, with a large portion granted to nationals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—regions that will now bear the brunt of the new surcharge.

For Ghanaian travellers—especially students, tourists, and contract workers—the new policy adds another layer to what many already describe as an expensive and uncertain visa process. 

Most applicants are issued single-entry, three-month visas, meaning they must repeat the entire process—and pay again—if they leave and wish to return.