What is a B1/B2 Non-Immigrant Visa?
The B1/B2, also known as a Visitor’s Visa, is a non-immigrant visa for persons who want to visit the US for the purposes of tourism and business. Separately, the B1 visa is for business visits while the B2 is for tourism. It covers short stays of typically up to six months, which the US deems enough time to tour the country, attend events, visit family members, and in this case, attend the FIFA World Cup Tournament.
When applying for this visa, you have to understand that every applicant is presumed to be a potential
permanent immigrant until proven otherwise. So when you are granted an interview during the application
process, you must convince the interviewer with credible reasons that you will return. You must prove that
you have strong ties to Ghana — a stable job, family responsibilities, properties, and businesses you have
to return to after the tournament.
At the US Embassy in Accra, you must complete the DS-160 online form. You will also be required to pay a
non-refundable fee of approximately $185 and attend an in-person interview where you’ll have to present bank
statements, employment letters, and ideally a confirmed match ticket and itinerary to prove the reasons
mentioned earlier.
Note: This information is as of April 21st, 2026. Follow the Link for any new updates.
Statistics on Ghanaian B-Visa Applications
In the most recent fiscal year for which official figures are available, the refusal rate for B-visas for
Ghanaians stood at roughly 64 percent, mainly due to the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which covers
failure to demonstrate sufficient ties or intent to return.
There is still hope, however. Due to diplomatic negotiations and a bilateral agreement between Ghana and the
US, Ghanaian fans who want to travel to the US have been exempted from a $15,000 financial bond that would
otherwise have to be paid to prove you won’t overstay your visa.
The January 2026 Immigrant Visa Pause
On January 21, 2026, the US Department of State rolled out an indefinite pause on the issuance of immigrant
visas — also known as Green Cards — for 75 specified countries. The policy, announced roughly a week prior,
is designed to allow for a review of procedures ensuring that new permanent residents are financially
self-sufficient and do not become reliant on US public benefits. During the pause, applicants may still file
paperwork and attend interviews, but no final approvals for permanent residency will be granted.
This is where we clear the confusion. Ghana is part of the 75 specified countries, but we have been exempted
from the $15,000 financial bond that was meant to prevent visa overstay. However, there is no confirmed
information about exemption from the pause itself. So for Ghanaians seeking to live permanently in the
United States, those applications are now on hold indefinitely.
That said, dual nationals who hold a valid passport from a country not on the list may use that passport for
the application process and would not be subjected to the pause.
The B1/B2 Visa Distinction
This pause applies to permanent residency visas, not the B1/B2 visa. The application process for the FIFA World Cup remains open and will still be processed normally.
The FIFA PASS
As anticipated, there was a surge in applications ahead of the World Cup, which prompted the US Embassy in
Accra to expand their capacity. The embassy has released additional B1/B2 appointment slots and reduced
waiting times to approximately one week. Embassy officials have also held press briefings to encourage
applicants to start their process early and to avoid third-party agents who promise guaranteed approval.
To help make the process smoother, FIFA has also introduced the FIFA PASS — Priority Appointment Scheduling
System. You can access this by purchasing match tickets through their official platforms and logging into
the system via your FIFA account. If your details are verified, you will receive scheduling priority for a
visa interview ahead of the tournament. Spouses and dependent children may also qualify.
Know, however, that the FIFA PASS only accelerates your access to an appointment. It does not alter the visa
assessment criteria or guarantee any outcome.
Ever Thought of the Cost of Supporting Ghana in Another Country?
You finally got the visa to see the tournament — but now you have to budget for return tickets, accommodation in expensive US cities, match tickets at around $140 each, and daily costs. Make sure to prepare well before embarking so you can enjoy the matches comfortably.
I’m Hopeful Ghana Will Win This World Cup
Don’t abandon hope, though. If you are not able to go, there will be Ghanaians in the diaspora across the United States who will be supporting Ghana during the tournament. The visa barriers may look intimidating, but they shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the matches the way you always have.