Ghana and us visa news
Here are some recent updates on Ghana and US visa news:
Ghana-US Visa News
- Visa Interview Waiver Program (VIWP): The US Embassy in Accra, Ghana has introduced a Visa Interview Waiver Program (VIWP) for certain categories of applicants. This program allows eligible applicants to submit their biometric data and have their application reviewed without an in-person interview.
- Increased Visa Fees: As of October 2022, the US Embassy in Ghana has increased visa fees for certain categories of applicants. The new fees range from $160 to $1,400, depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
- New Visa Application Center: The US Embassy in Ghana has opened a new visa application center in Accra, which is expected to reduce wait times and improve the overall visa application process.
US Visa Requirements for Ghanaian Citizens
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): Ghanaian citizens are required to obtain an ESTA approval prior to traveling to the US. The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that is valid for 2 years.
- Visa Types: Ghanaian citizens can apply for various types of US visas, including:
- B1/B2 visa (business and tourism)
- F1 visa (student)
- J1 visa (exchange visitor)
- H1B visa (work)
- L1 visa (work)
- Visa Requirements: To apply for a US visa, Ghanaian citizens must provide:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
- A completed visa application form (DS-160)
- One recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of payment for the visa application fee
- Supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation, proof of ties to Ghana, and proof of sufficient funds
Ghana-US Travel Restrictions
- COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: The US has imposed travel restrictions on Ghana due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ghanaian citizens are subject to enhanced screening and testing upon arrival in the US.
- Travel Ban: The US has imposed a travel ban on Ghana due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The ban applies to non-US citizens who have been in Ghana within the past 14 days.
Useful Resources
- US Embassy in Ghana: www.ustraveldocs.com/gh
- Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration: www.mfa.gov.gh
- US Department of State: www.state.gov
Please note that visa requirements and travel restrictions are subject to change, and it's always best to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.