The United States Embassy in Accra has advised Ghanaians travelling to the 2026 World Cup to respect U.S. immigration laws and not overstay their visas.
Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson encouraged prospective travellers to apply early for new visa appointments, stressing the importance of adhering to approved stay periods.
Addressing the press on Friday, February 20, Rolf Olson indicated that 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 people to the World Cup, and indeed, we have lots of appointments available now. We’ve been putting out the message on social media and radio, and now I’m here today to help everyone hold that message.
“We recognise that there is a little bit of frustration with the extended wait time, not a decent 30%, yes.
“Today, I’m happy to say that thanks to this surge in council personnel, we have the visitor visa plan available next week, and the week after, and the week after that. And everyone benefits from this increased visa plan availability, so whether you’ve been planning to book your appointment or whether or not you can bring an existing appointment forward, which you can do, do it now,” he said.
He also explained that obtaining a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States or determine how long a visitor can stay.
“I think it’s important to clarify something. Every country has its immigration practices in place, and there’s a certain truth about that. It’s really incumbent upon every visitor to respect the laws of the country they’re in. And that’s both in terms of the conduct of the country as well as how long they are in the state. Now, in our case, there’s an understanding of the distinction; the visa itself is a permission to apply for entry at the border.
“So the visa allows you to get on a plane. Without the visa, the airline won’t let you travel. When you get to the border at the airport, it’s the customs border patrol officer who then officially gives you entry. It is that individual who will determine how long you have to stay. Now, the visa itself doesn’t range a specific amount of time. It’s that officer who has that.”
According to him, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry make the final decision on admission and length of stay, and travellers are expected to depart before their authorised stay expires.
The Embassy states that standard visa procedures will apply for World Cup applicants and advises those yet to book or reschedule appointments to act quickly due to limited capacity. It reaffirms commitment to facilitating lawful travel while emphasising the importance of respecting visa conditions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
