Is a Visa needed for Ghana Citizens to travel to US?

Ghana citizens visiting the United States must acquire a non-immigrant visa before leaving their home country. Immigrant visas are also available, but are much more expensive with much more documentation required. Both types of visas must be obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Accra. Only U.S. consular officers can grant visas to the United States. No other personal or business entity is authorized to facilitate or grant you a visa.

Non-immigrant visas (NIVs) are for Ghana travelers, aged 14 to 79, who are visiting, studying, or working temporarily in the United States. You must apply for your visa using the embassy’s electronic visa application form, which is found on the American Embassy’s web site. All interview appointments are also booked online.

One photo with specific measurements and background is required:

• photo must be in color and taken within the last six months
• photo must measure 50mm or 2 inches square, eye level must be 28 to 35mm from the bottom of the photo
• photo background must be white
• applicant must face straight ahead, centered in the photo, ears exposed

Applicants should begin their application process as early as possible, especially if traveling during the peak, summer holiday travel season. Average wait times for non-immigration visa interview appointments are seven to 35 calendar days, while student and/or exchange student and other non-immigrant visa interviews typically hover around the seven-day mark. After the interview appointment is completed, non-immigrant visa processing takes around three days. No same-day visa service is available.

Consult the Accra U.S. Embassy website for specific information on current interview wait times, especially for A, G, K, and V labeled non-immigrant visas. Note that medical and humanitarian emergencies may facilitate expedited interviews and therefore turnaround times may be quicker. Just make sure that you have your ticket information, travel insurance, and necessary papers.

There is a visa waiver program available for travelers who have machine- readable, biometric passports. Check the U.S. State Department for current information, requirements, and applications.

If you want to reside or find a permanent job in the United States, you need an immigrant visa (IV). Examples of eligible immigrants are those who have an immediate relative or a family sponsorship or an employer sponsorship. Religious workers may have special immigration status.

The procedure is different for an immigrant status visa. Call the Consular Section of the American Embassy in Accra for specific and up-to-date information. Interviews, medical exams, and detailed financial and personal information is required.

No matter which visa you apply for, make sure that you have all the necessary documentation readily available, such as: passport, financial support information, sponsorship papers and travel medical insurance.