US Embassy Warns: Don’t Overstay Visas (Extra Slots Open for World Cup, but Offences Costly!)
Rolf Olson, Charge d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Ghana, has warned Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States, describing it as a serious offence that can result in deportation and future visa denials. Speaking in Accra, he said although the standard stay for a “B” visa is generally six months, the duration is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at entry, and travellers must comply with the period granted. He noted that while Ghana typically benefits from a five-year multiple-entry visa arrangement, consular officers may limit validity. Mr Olson said the embassy has opened tens of thousands of additional visa appointment slots ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, supported by a global deployment of additional consular officers, and urged applicants to apply early. He advised travellers to ensure their passports are valid through at least early 2027 and clarified that a World Cup ticket is not required for a “B” visa application. He also cautioned against misrepresentation, which can lead to permanent ineligibility, and warned applicants not to use visa fixers or pay fees beyond the official application charge.
