The United States Embassy in Accra has released detailed guidelines for Ghanaians planning to travel to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup. Consul General Elliot Fertik highlighted the procedures and requirements applicants must follow to ensure a smooth visa process.

Improved processing times
Fertik noted that non-immigrant visa processing, especially for tourists, has significantly improved, with additional resources deployed to handle applications before the tournament.

Choosing the correct visa
Applicants should select the appropriate visa category:

Journalists: I-class visa for media professionals
Fans/Tourists: B1/B2 visa

Applying under the wrong category can result in denial, even if the applicant qualifies for another type.

Application steps
Applicants must:

Complete the DS-160 form online
Pay the visa application fee
Book an interview
Attend the interview with all required documents

Strong ties to Ghana and a credible purpose for travel must be demonstrated. Violating visa conditions, overstaying, or unauthorised employment can lead to severe penalties, including long-term entry bans. Applicants are advised not to buy non-refundable flight tickets until visas are approved.

Visa denials and fraud warnings
Most refusals fall under Section 214(b), due to insufficient evidence of ties to Ghana. While there is no formal appeal process, applicants may reapply if circumstances change. Fertik also warned against visa fraud, such as using falsified documents or intermediaries promising approval, which can lead to a lifetime ban.

He stressed that lack of prior international travel does not automatically result in a visa refusal, as each application is assessed individually.