Five West African Nations Exempt from US Visa Restrictions

In 2026, five West African countries (Ghana, Liberia, Cape Verde, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau) were confirmed as exempt from the US travel restrictions, allowing their citizens to apply for US visas through the standard process. Ghana continues to process visa applications without entry bans, while Liberia is similarly excluded from major restrictions but its nationals are subject to general security screening and standard consular procedures.

Cape Verde also retains access to normal visa application channels, and neither Guinea nor Guinea-Bissau appears on any suspension lists. This information is crucial for Nigerian readers and West African travelers planning trips to the United States, as other countries in the region face varying degrees of restrictions under the new policy framework.

It is important for applicants to understand that normal processing does not guarantee automatic approval, as they must meet specific eligibility requirements, including proof of ties to their home country and a credible purpose of travel.