By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the release of more than 2,000 visa appointment slots over the next two weeks. This initiative targets applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas for short-term travel to the United States, offering a significant opportunity for travellers planning visits to the United States in the near future.
The newly available appointments are aimed at individuals intending to travel for business engagements, family visits, tourism, and major international events. This expansion includes “the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted across North America.” The move reflects a proactive effort by the State Department to accommodate a surge in interest ahead of the global tournament. In a formal statement, the Embassy “urged prospective applicants to act promptly in securing one of the available interview dates.” This measure is designed to address the “consistently high” demand for temporary visas that has persisted in recent years.
Current applicants “who already have visa appointments scheduled for later in the year are being encouraged to log into the scheduling system and consider moving their appointments forward.” Analysts suggest this “move is expected to ease pressure on appointment backlogs and provide greater flexibility for travellers whose plans may be time-sensitive.”
The B1 and B2 visa categories — “which cover temporary visits for business (B1) and tourism or family visits (B2)” — remain the primary pathway for Ghanaians visiting the U.S. Those wishing to secure a slot “can find full details, requirements and guidance on the Embassy’s official visa information page at: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/”.
