Ghanaians planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been urged to apply under the correct visa category and carefully follow the application process to avoid delays or possible rejection.
Speaking at a media training ahead of the World Cup at the United States Embassy in Ghana,Consul General
Elliot Fertik, said journalists travelling to report on the tournament should apply for the I-class visa, which is designated for members of the press and media.
Those travelling to watch matches or for tourism, however, should apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa.
“If you tell us you are applying for a tourist visa but explain that you are a professional journalist covering the World Cup, that could put your chance of getting a visa in jeopardy,” Mr Fertik said.
According to Mr Fertik, the administration of Donald Trump had directed additional resources toward visa processing in preparation for the tournament.
As a result, the embassy in Ghana has significantly reduced interview wait times.
“Our wait time now is down to almost one week. That means if you ever had an interest in going to the United States, now is the time to apply. These interviews are usually very short, often two to three minutes” he said.
Visa application process
According to the embassy, applicants must complete several steps before attending their visa interview:
- Create an account on the visa appointment system
Applicants must go to the US Embassy visa website and create an account on the contractor-managed appointment portal.
Those who applied for visas in the past may need to create a new account because the system provider changed in 2024.
- Complete the DS-160 online application
Applicants must fill out the online visa form, known as the DS-160, which requires personal details, passport information, travel plans and the visa category being requested. The process typically takes about an hour.
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page
After completing the form, applicants must print the confirmation page, which must be presented at the interview.
4. Pay the visa application fee
The visa application fee is currently $185.
Payment can often be made online, but many applicants pay through a designated bank and then enter the receipt number on the visa portal.
- Schedule an interview appointment
Once the payment is confirmed, applicants can select an available interview date at the embassy.
- Prepare the required documents
Applicants must bring the following on the interview day:
-A valid passport
-A passport-sized photograph
-The interview appointment confirmation page
-The DS-160 confirmation page
Supporting documents relevant to their visa category
- Attend the interview at the embassy
Applicants are advised to arrive about 15 minutes before their appointment. Electronic devices, including mobile phones, are not allowed inside the embassy.
Additional requirements for journalists
Mr Fertik said journalists applying for the I-class visa should bring proof of their professional work, such as:
-Press credentials
-A letter of assignment from a media organisation
-Published articles or links to previous reporting
-Independent journalists should also show evidence that they regularly publish their work.
-Applicants should also be prepared to clearly explain their travel plans, including where the tournament matches will be played and how their trip will be financed.
“If you say you are going to cover the World Cup but cannot explain where the matches are going to be played, that will affect your credibility,” Mr Fertik said.
At the end of the interview, the officer makes a decision. If the visa is refused, the passport is returned immediately. If it is approved, the passport will be kept and instructions will be given on how to collect it from a designated U.S. pickup location.
Warning on visa violations
While welcoming visitors, Mr Fertik stressed that the United States would strictly enforce immigration rules.
He warned that those who overstay their visas, provide false information during applications, or violate visa conditions could face denial of future visas or even arrest in the United States.
“We are very excited to welcome people,” he said, “but the United States does not tolerate people who overstay or violate the terms of their visas.”
The United States will co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico, and officials expect thousands of visitors including football fans and international journalists.
