United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Ghana citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Ghanaian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your chances. With interview wait times of over 200 days, early planning is essential.
US Tourist Visa for Ghanaian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Ghana citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form
Recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
Bank statements and other financial documents showing ability to fund your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Ghana
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Ghana
In-person interview at the US Embassy in Accra
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities in the United States
Application Process
All applications require an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Accra.1 The process involves five main steps:
1. Complete DS-160 Form
Fill out the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov.2 Upload your photo and print the confirmation page with the barcode. You will need this for your interview.
2. Pay Application Fee
Pay the $185 non-refundable visa application fee online through the AVITS website.3 Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
3. Schedule Interview
Create an account on the AVITS website and schedule your visa interview at the US Embassy in Accra.1 Current wait times are approximately 211 days, so apply early.4
4. Gather Documents
Prepare all supporting documents including bank statements, employment letter, and evidence of ties to Ghana. Organize originals and copies.
5. Attend Interview
Arrive at the embassy 15 minutes before your appointment.1 You will have your fingerprints scanned and meet with a consular officer. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and ties to Ghana.
6. Wait for Decision
Most cases receive a decision the same day. If approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup within 1-2 weeks.
Fees
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 Application Fee | $185 | Non-refundable |
| Visa Issuance Fee | $0 | No reciprocity fee for Ghana |
The $185 application fee must be paid before scheduling your interview.3 This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied.
What You Need to Prove
Under US immigration law, all visa applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants until they prove otherwise.2 You must demonstrate:
- Nonimmigrant intent through strong ties that will compel you to return to Ghana
- Sufficient funds to cover all costs of your trip
- Clear purpose for visiting the United States
- Credibility through honest and consistent answers
The burden of proof is on you to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.
Processing Times
Current interview wait times for B1/B2 visas in Accra are approximately 211 days (about 7 months).4 After your interview:
- Approved cases: Passport ready for pickup in 1-2 weeks
- Administrative processing: May take additional weeks to months
Plan your application at least 8-9 months before your intended travel date. Wait times fluctuate based on demand.
Interview Tips
The visa interview is the most important part of your application. Tips for success:
- Be confident: Speak clearly and make eye contact
- Be concise: Answer questions directly without over-explaining
- Be honest: Inconsistencies will raise red flags
- Be prepared: Know your itinerary, contacts in the US, and travel dates
- Dress professionally: First impressions matter
Common interview questions:
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- Who will you visit in the United States?
- What do you do for work?
- How will you fund your trip?
- When do you plan to return?
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. The visa validity (typically 5 years) determines how long you can use it to seek entry, not how long you can stay.
At the US port of entry:
- Present your passport and visa to the CBP officer
- Answer questions about your visit honestly
- Receive your I-94 arrival record determining your allowed stay
- Keep your I-94 and respect your departure date
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals cite Section 214(b), meaning you did not demonstrate sufficient ties to Ghana. You can:
- Reapply with stronger evidence of ties to Ghana
- Wait until your circumstances change significantly
- Request expedited appointment if you have urgent travel needs
There is no appeal or review process for 214(b) refusals. Focus on strengthening your application for the next attempt.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Ghana after the visit. This is cited under Section 214(b) and is the most common reason for refusal.
How to avoid: Document stable employment, property ownership, family dependents, business interests, and any other significant ties that would compel you to return.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or consistent income to support the trip and demonstrate financial stability.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of statements with regular salary credits. Include savings accounts, fixed deposits, and property valuations.
Unconvincing Interview Performance
Answers during the interview were vague, inconsistent, or raised doubts about the true purpose of travel.
How to avoid: Practice answering common questions clearly and confidently. Know your itinerary, the purpose of your trip, and details about any US contacts.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the US or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Explain what has changed in your circumstances since then.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents or information that could not be verified.
How to avoid: Bring all original documents plus copies. Ensure employment letters have valid contact information for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry and stamped on your Form I-94.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working without authorization can result in deportation and a ban on future visas.
How long is the wait for a US visa interview in Ghana?
Current wait times for B1/B2 visa interviews in Accra are approximately 211 days (about 7 months). This is why early planning is essential.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Ghanaians in 2025?
The application fee is $185, which is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied. This fee is paid online before scheduling your interview.
How long is a US B1/B2 visa valid?
US B1/B2 visas for Ghanaian citizens are typically issued for 5 years with multiple entries. However, validity does not determine how long you can stay per visit.
What happens at the visa interview?
The interview typically lasts 2-5 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your travel purpose, ties to Ghana, employment, finances, and previous travel. Be honest, confident, and concise.
What is the approval rate for US visas from Ghana?
The approval rate for US visitor visas from Ghana is approximately 45%. Strong ties to Ghana, stable employment, and clear travel purpose are key factors for approval.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will be told the reason for refusal under Section 214(b) of the Immigration Act, meaning you did not demonstrate sufficient ties to Ghana. You can reapply with stronger evidence.