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The United States Embassy has announced the opening of thousands of additional non-immigrant visa appointment slots for Ghanaians, as the United States prepares for increased travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The embassy, in a statement posted on its X handle on Tuesday, said it had expanded visa processing capacity in Accra to meet rising demand. It noted that many appointments are available now and that it continues to process non-immigrant visa applications.
“The U.S. Embassy in Accra has opened thousands of additional non-immigrant visa appointment slots, many available now. Embassy Accra continues to process non-immigrant visa applications,” the embassy said.
The move comes as Washington introduces the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, known as the FIFA Pass, to reduce visa wait times for World Cup ticket holders. U.S. authorities, however, stressed that the system does not guarantee visa approval.
All applicants will still undergo full security screening and vetting, U.S. officials said, noting that border security remains a priority.
A senior official at the U.S. Department of State said the FIFA Pass system has already reduced wait times, with applicants in more than “over 80%” of countries now able to schedule a visa appointment in “less that 60 days”.
“At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament,” the official said.
Most nationals from countries covered by the U.S. visa waiver programme, including much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia, can travel to the United States visa-free for up to 90 days and do not need to use the FIFA Pass. Instead, they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada after their joint bid defeated Morocco.
The United States will host most of the matches, including the final, and demand for visas is expected to rise sharply.
