The U.S. Embassy in Accra has announced an update for visa applicants in Ghana. Effective August 26, 2024, the embassy will transition to a new visa services provider. As a result, the current visa service provider’s website and services will cease operation on August 16, 2024.
Key Dates and Actions for Applicants
- August 16, 2024: The last day to access the current visa service provider’s website (ustraveldocs.com) to pay visa application fees, schedule, cancel, or reschedule appointments, and contact customer service.
- August 21, 2024: The final day to drop off documents at Premium Delivery locations.
- August 23, 2024: The last day to drop off documents at locations in Ghana for delivery to the U.S. Embassy.
- August 26, 2024: The new visa services website will go live. Applicants can make fee payments, schedule appointments, access customer service, and use new document drop-off and pickup locations.
Instructions for Different Applicant Scenarios
For Applicants with Interviews Scheduled on or Before August 16, 2024:
For Applicants with Interviews Scheduled Between August 16 and August 26, 2024:
- No further action is required, but access to your ustraveldocs.com account will be unavailable after August 16. Ensure you print your appointment confirmation letter before this date. It is strongly encouraged to attend your scheduled visa interview. If you miss your appointment, check the new website after August 26 for rescheduling instructions.
For Applicants with Interviews Scheduled on or After August 26, 2024:
- No further action is required, but access to your ustraveldocs.com account will cease after August 16. Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16. From August 26 onwards, visit the new visa services website to create a new user account for managing your appointment and contacting customer service.
For Applicants Who Have Paid the Visa Application Fee but Have Not Scheduled an Interview:
- Schedule your visa appointment promptly and follow the instructions based on your interview date.
For Applicants Planning to Travel to the U.S. in August or September but Have Not Paid the Visa Application Fee:
- Pay the visa application fee and schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Note that appointment slots are very limited, and you may not secure a slot before your travel date. Consider waiting until after August 26 to begin the visa process.
For Applicants Planning to Travel to the U.S. After September:
- It is recommended to wait until after August 26 to start the nonimmigrant visa process.
This transition aims to streamline the visa application process and enhance service delivery for applicants. The U.S. Embassy in Accra advises all visa applicants to take note of these important dates and instructions to ensure a smooth transition.
For more details and updates, visit the U.S. Embassy’s official website or contact the visa services directly after August 26, 2024.
