The United States Embassy in Accra has urged Ghanaians hoping to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to respect U.S. immigration laws, especially by avoiding visa overstays.
The caution came as the Embassy announced the release of tens of thousands of new visa appointment slots ahead of the global tournament. According to officials, while access to appointments has significantly improved, compliance with approved periods of stay remains non-negotiable.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, February 20, Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson revealed that the expanded appointment window is open to all visitor visa applicants, including football fans planning to attend the Mundial.
“As of today, February 20, we have added tens of thousands of appointments for the World Cup, and indeed we have lots of appointments available now,” he said.
Olson admitted that visa wait times had been a concern in recent months but noted that the arrival of additional consular staff has eased the pressure, creating more availability in the weeks ahead.
“Whether you’ve been planning to book your appointment or whether you want to bring an existing appointment forward — which you can do — now is the time,” he urged.
However, he was quick to clarify that holding a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States, nor does it determine the duration of stay.
“The visa allows you to board a plane. When you arrive at the airport in the United States, it is the Customs and Border Protection officer who decides whether to admit you and for how long,” Olson explained.
He further stressed that visitors must leave the United States before their authorised stay expires, warning that overstaying could affect future travel opportunities.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting lawful travel in partnership with the Government of Ghana, but maintained that strict adherence to visa conditions is crucial to sustaining smooth travel relations between the two countries.
