U.S. Embassy Cuts Visa Validity to Three Months for Ethiopian Travelers

The United States has reduced the validity period for most nonimmigrant visas issued to Ethiopian nationals, limiting them to single-entry permits valid for three months.

The change, which applies to visas issued on or after July 8, 2025, was announced by the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa through an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the Embassy, the adjustment follows revised U.S. State Department policy guidelines governing nonimmigrant visa classifications.

“Effective July 8, 2025, most nonimmigrant visas for Ethiopian citizens will be a single-entry with a three-month validity,” the statement reads. The embassy clarified that visas issued before that date remain valid under their original terms.

This move aligns with a broader tightening of U.S. visa policies. According to recent reports, the U.S. government is considering expanding travel restrictions to include citizens from 36 countries, including Ethiopia, amid concerns over passport security and cooperation on deportations. This potential expansion builds upon a previous proclamation that banned entry from 12 nations and partially restricted travelers from seven others. Countries failing to meet U.S. requirements within 60 days risk full or partial suspension of visa issuance.

Additional security measures have also been introduced. Since June 18, 2025, applicants for F, M, and J visas are required to make their social media profiles public to facilitate enhanced vetting.