Under a new reorganization policy implemented by the US State Department, the US has entered into force on July 8, 2025, reducing the validity of visas for Ethiopian citizens to just three months.
In a statement issued by the US Embassy of Addis Ababa, the decision is part of a broader policy coordination known as “reorganizing interrelationship nonimmigrant visas,” which standardizes entry conditions for nonimmigrant visa applicants based on mutual contracts and national security considerations.
Under the revised guidelines, B1/B2 visas (typically issued for business and tourism) have now been valid for one entry and stay of up to three months. This will be significantly reduced from the multi-entry arrangements granted to Ethiopian travelers over the past two years.
The embassy has made it clear that visas issued before July 8th are valid under the original terms. However, travelers holding a new single admission visa will not be permitted to re-enter the United States if they leave the country, even within the visa's validity period of three months.
Part of the broader shift in visa policy in Africa
Ethiopia is not only facing closer visa conditions. The US State Department has applied similar changes to other African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria.
The move follows recent immigration measures introduced under President Donald Trump's administration. This includes new travel restrictions in 36 countries, of which 25 are in Africa. Ethiopia is not included in the latest travel ban list issued on June 9, 2025, but remains on the US government radar for increased scrutiny.
The June directive signed by President Trump banned citizens from 12 countries, including Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Iran and Afghanistan, citing the risks of national security. Seven countries, including Cuba, Togo and Turkmenistan, were subject to partial restrictions.
Ethiopia warns about penalties for tenure
In related developments, Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry has urged citizens traveling to the US to strictly adhere to visa regulations. During a press conference Thursday, ministry spokesman Nebiyat Getachew warned of penalties for overstaying US visa periods, particularly for students and workers.
“Excessive stays for an approved period create serious accountability measures,” Getachew said. He also advised Ethiopian Americans and other foreigners to enter Ethiopia on tourists or business visas to respect the expiration conditions of local visas to avoid fines and deportation.
The ministry also warned travelers to ensure the credibility of their documents when applying for a US visa, whether through government or private channels, during interviews with the embassy.
“It's essential to provide accurate and verifiable documents,” Getachew added, urging citizens to continue to be informed of the evolving U.S. immigration regulations.
