ACCRA, GHANA — The US Embassy in Accra has announced it has opened additional visa appointment slots specifically for Ghanaians planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. With demand expected to be extremely high and slots filling up quickly, officials are urging applicants to act fast.
If you’re planning to watch the tournament and support the Black Stars, here’s your complete step-by-step guide to securing your US visa.
Step 1: Pay the Application Fee FIRST
Before you can do anything else, you must pay the non-refundable visa application fee of $185 (approximately GH₵2,960). Payment can be made in GTBank.
Critical: Keep your payment receipt. The receipt number is required to schedule your interview. The receipt remains valid for one year from the payment date.
Step 2: Schedule Your Interview IMMEDIATELY
This is the most important step. Getting an appointment date is extremely difficult right now, so you should schedule your interview as soon as you pay your visa fee—even before completing your DS-160 form.
Visit https://www.usvisaappt.com to schedule your appointment. You’ll need your passport number and visa fee receipt number.
Act now: The embassy has opened additional World Cup slots, but these are filling up rapidly. Appointment dates are scarce, and waiting could mean missing out entirely. Secure your date first, worry about paperwork later.
Appointments are available at the US Embassy in Accra, Monday through Friday, excluding US and Ghanaian holidays.
Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form
After securing your interview date, you can complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form at ceac.state.gov/genniv. You’ll need:
- Your visa fee receipt number
A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- A digital passport-style photo (2×2 inches, taken within the last six months)
- Travel itinerary details (dates, match tickets if already purchased)
- Employment information
- Previous US travel history (if applicable)
Save your application ID number—you’ll need it for your interview. The form takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Answer all questions honestly and accurately.
You can complete this form anytime before your scheduled interview date.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Bring the following to your interview:
Mandatory:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Interview appointment confirmation
Strongly Recommended:
- World Cup match tickets or confirmation
- Hotel reservations or accommodation details
- Round-trip flight itinerary (don’t purchase tickets until visa is approved)
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds)
- Employment letter confirming your job and approved leave
- Property documents or land titles in Ghana
- Family ties documentation (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates)
- Previous US visas (if applicable)
The goal is to demonstrate strong ties to Ghana and prove you’ll return after the World Cup.
Step 5: Attend Your Interview
Arrive at the embassy at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. The US Embassy in Accra is located at No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments.
What to expect:
- Security screening (no phones, bags, or electronics allowed except in designated lockers)
- Fingerprint collection
- Brief interview with a consular officer (typically 2-5 minutes)
The 2026 World Cup represents a historic opportunity to support the Black Stars on football’s biggest stage. With the US Embassy opening special appointment slots, now is the time to start your application process. Remember: secure your interview date first—that’s the hardest part.
Ayekoo! Safe travels and go Black Stars!
Written by Dzifa Makafui
