Ghanaian football enthusiasts, Black Stars supporters and all those planning to travel to the United States of America to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup do not need a World Cup (W/C) ticket to apply for a B visa, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana has clarified.
“Everyone applying for a B visa must meet its minimum qualifications,” Rolf Olson, Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana said on Friday, at a media engagement session on visa services at the U.S. in Accra.
This clarity is expected to bring closure on whether an applicant needs a World Cup ticket to apply for a B visa.
“You don’t need a World Cup ticket before you apply for a B visa at any time. On a related note, having a World Cup ticket in hand, or having plans to attend World Cup matches, does not affect your eligibility for a B visa,” Mr Olson added.
However, Mr Olson noted that the decision to grant the visa or otherwise rests with consular officers.
He said applicants must convince the officer that they meet the qualifications for the B visa, and a consular officer may ask any number of questions in the process.
The Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana emphasised that in a visa interview, applicants must respond truthfully and completely to any questions they are asked.
He said misrepresentations about an applicant’s purpose of travel, or family, employment, or identity will result in denial of the application, and may lead to a permanent visa ineligibility.
While saying that U.S. law treats fraud in the visa application process very seriously, Mr Olson cautioned visa applicants against paying money to anyone to secure a visa.
“Visa fixers make all kinds of promises about what they can deliver, but they can never guarantee the issuance of a visa, nor do they improve your chances of getting one. They’re taking your money, pure and simple. There is no additional payment ever required to apply for a B visa, other than the initial application,” Mr Olson stated.
He mentioned that the U.S. Embassy in Accra was now offering hundreds of additional visa appointments due to a surge of applications.
The Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy further advised football lovers, Black Stars fans and those planning to travel to the United States for other purposes to apply now as the Embassy cannot add more appointments once its appointment capacity is reached.
“If you plan to travel for the World Cup or any other B visa travel to the United States, apply now. While we have thousands of appointments available in the coming months, once our appointment capacity is reached, we cannot add more. Please do not wait to apply until closing time for the World Cup itself,” Mr Olson added.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA
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