In recent months, a wave of tightened visa 

scrutiny has quietly emerged across 

several United States of America embassies within the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

ECOWAS, is a regional political and economic union of 15 countries in West Africa, including, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Vanguard Consular Hub had reported that the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced a list of 36 countries under the country’s visa scrutiny, many of them being ECOWAS members.

Although the U.S. has not issued an official travel ban on ECOWAS countries,  what we are witnessing is a policy shift involving tighter screening, longer wait times, and higher rejection rates, especially for non-immigrant visas.

Consular Hub, authoritatively gathered that these changes largely affect visitor visas (B1/B2), student visas (F1), work and exchange visas (H1B, J1).

Applicants now undergo more intensive questioning, document verification, and background checks. In some cases, visas are being denied for reasons that were once considered minor.

•Ban to create non-tariff barriers – Foreign Minister 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, stated at the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council, MSC, in Abuja, that the U.S. plan to apply visa restrictions on all ECOWAS countries is tantamount to creating “non-tariff barriers” that will harm trade relations with West Africa.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister warned that it could significantly hinder trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity between the U.S. and West Africa.

He said: “It would be a remiss of me if I did not mention the apparent recent decision by the government of the United States to include all ECOWAS countries in its visa restrictions.

“This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals.

“We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi. These visa restrictions are synonymous with slamming non-tariff barriers to any deals with the U.S.

“ECOWAS countries and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need. We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity.

“The only question is with whom? Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?” He asked.

•Why is this happening?

According to diplomatic sources and immigration observers, the U.S. is reacting to several ongoing concerns including high overstay rates, rising security risks, document fraud and false claims, amongst others.

For instance, a report obtained by Consular Hub, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, nationals from some ECOWAS countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, are among the top in visa overstays, meaning they remain in the U.S. after their visa expires.

The report stated that, “With increasing political instability, coups, and terrorism concerns in parts of West Africa, U.S. authorities are becoming more cautious about who they allow entry.

“Incidents involving forged bank statements, fake job letters, and inconsistent travel histories have prompted stricter document verification processes.”

•Countries mostly affected

While there is no published blacklist, Consular Hub gathered that countries under intense scrutiny reportedly include, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Applicants from these countries, especially young single men between the ages of 18 and 40 years, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure visas, even with genuine reasons for travel.

Impact on ECOWAS citizens

For many West Africans, the U.S. remains a top destination for education, tourism, business, and migration. But these changes mean longer processing times at consulates, stricter requirements for documentation and higher chances of denial, even with strong applications.

Consular Hub also gathered that there is currently more pressure to prove strong ties to homes, employment, family and property. 

Students, in particular, are reporting visa denials despite holding valid I-20 forms and scholarships. 

Meanwhile, a Nigerian student who preferred anonymity shared her frustration on the development with Consular Hub in Lagos.

She decried that the US visa restrictions are more than just policy changes, they are a crushing blow to her dreams.

She said: “I wanted to study in the United States, because it is surrounded by diverse cultures and innovative ideas.

Now, the stricter requirements have made my dreams uncertain.

“For me it is not just about the paperwork, it is all about the opportunities that will slip away.”

Solutions 

Meanwhile, a report obtained from the U.S. consulate, disclosed that the U.S. officials are not targeting West Africa unfairly, but are enforcing global standards more strictly.

The report noted that, “Genuine applicants should be transparent with documents, no forgery

“Prove strong home ties, job, family, land ownership, school enrollment. Demonstrate clear intent, why you are going, when you are returning

“Prepare for the interview, be concise in your response, honest answers matter.”

In a chat with Consular Hub, an immigration lawyer in Lagos who preferred anonymity, said: “Applicants must now treat visa interviews like job interviews. It is not about how much money you show, it is about how believable your story is.”

Vanguard News