The United States Embassy in Accra has issued a strong reminder to Ghanaians planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States: respect the terms of your visa and do not overstay.
The caution comes as the Embassy announces the release of thousands of additional visa appointment slots to meet growing demand ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by the FIFA.
More Visa Appointments Now Available
Speaking to the press on Friday, February 20, Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson confirmed that the expanded appointment window is open to all visitor visa applicants, including football fans hoping to witness matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He acknowledged frustrations over long wait times in recent months but said the Embassy has boosted consular staffing to ease the backlog.
“As of today, February 20, we have added tens of thousands of appointments,” Mr. Olson said, noting that new slots are available in the coming weeks. He encouraged applicants to either book new appointments or reschedule existing ones to earlier dates where possible.
According to him, the additional capacity is intended to ensure that genuine travellers have a fair opportunity to secure visas well ahead of the global football event.
Visa Is Not a Guarantee of Entry
Despite the expanded access, the Embassy stressed that a U.S. visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the country — nor does it determine how long a visitor can remain.
Mr. Olson explained that a visa simply allows a traveller to board a flight and seek admission at a U.S. port of entry. The final decision on entry and the duration of stay rests with officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the airport.
“It’s incumbent upon every visitor to respect the laws of the country they’re in,” he said, emphasising that travellers must depart before the authorised period granted at the point of entry expires.
The Embassy warned that overstaying a visa could negatively affect future travel opportunities to the United States.
Officials also clarified that there will be no special or expedited visa procedures specifically for World Cup attendees. Existing application processes, they said, are sufficient to manage demand.
Prospective travellers who have not yet secured appointments — as well as those seeking earlier dates — have been advised to act quickly, as available slots remain limited despite the recent expansion.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Ghana to support lawful travel for the tournament, while reminding applicants that compliance with U.S. immigration rules is essential to maintaining strong travel relations between the two countries.
Source: Africa Publicity
