US Embassy in Accra opens thousands of new visa slots; urges World Cup travellers to apply early

• Posted on January 21, 2026January 21, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The United States Embassy in Accra has announced an expansion of visa processing capacity, opening “thousands of additional non-immigrant visa appointment slots,” with many said to be immediately available. 

The move is a direct effort to manage anticipated high demand from Ghanaian residents planning to travel for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a public statement released on its official channels, the Embassy confirmed that “Embassy Accra continues to process non-immigrant visa applications” and issued a targeted advisory for football fans. “Planning to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup? If you do not have a valid U.S. visa, we encourage you to apply early,” the statement read.

The announcement highlights a proactive step to avert the lengthy backlogs and appointment shortages that have previously characterised visa application processes ahead of major international events. By releasing a bulk allocation of new slots well in advance of the tournament, which begins in June 2026, officials aim to streamline the process for genuine visitors.

The Embassy also reiterated a critical security reminder, urging all applicants to use only the official portal to schedule their interviews. 

The statement concludes with a direct instruction: “Reminder to apply via the official U.S. visa appointment website: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/.” This caution is standard practice, aimed at protecting applicants from fraudulent third-party websites that often charge inflated fees for services.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to drive unprecedented travel demand from West Africa to the United States. 

Ghana’s passionate football following, coupled with the Black Stars’qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament, suggests a substantial number of potential travellers requiring visas. The Embassy’s move is seen as both a logistical necessity and a gesture to facilitate travel for tourism and sporting engagement.