The United States Embassy in Accra has cautioned Ghanaians planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to strictly adhere to U.S. immigration laws, particularly by avoiding visa overstays.
While announcing the release of tens of thousands of new visa appointment slots, the Embassy emphasized that compliance with approved periods of stay is mandatory and that violations would not be tolerated.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, February 20, Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson said the expanded visa appointment window is open to all visitor visa applicants, including those intending to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I’m going to be clear about this. 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,” Mr. Olson stated.
He acknowledged concerns over extended wait times in recent months but noted that a surge in consular personnel has significantly increased appointment availability in the coming weeks.
“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, Mr. Olson clarified that a visa does not guarantee automatic entry into the United States nor does it determine how long a visitor may 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,” he explained.
He stressed that travellers must depart the United States before their authorised stay expires, warning that overstaying could jeopardize future travel opportunities.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating lawful travel in collaboration with the Government of Ghana but maintained that respecting visa conditions is essential to sustaining positive travel relations between both countries.
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