The U.S. Embassy in Ghana announced it will suspend its online visa application services from August 16 to August 26, 2024, to transition to a new visa application platform.
The move aims to address a significant backlog in visa processing that has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Accra, American Consul General Elliot Fertik expressed optimism that the new system will enhance efficiency and help clear the growing number of applications. Due to increased demand, the backlog has tripled since 2019, he noted.
“Visa demand has surged dramatically,” Fertik said. “Comparing the number of applications from 2019 before the pandemic to those in 2023, we’ve seen a threefold increase.”
The Embassy hopes that the upgraded platform will streamline the application process, with a particular focus on increasing the number of student visa interviews.
This summer alone, the Embassy processed 65% more student visa applications than in the entire year of 2023.
Fertik assured us that the transition will not affect individuals with existing visa appointments and should proceed as scheduled. The changes are part of a broader effort to modernize visa services, a trend also being seen in other countries.
Critical dates for the transition are as follows:
August 16: This is the last day to access the current system (ustraveldocs.com) for visa fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service.
August 21: Last day to drop off documents at Premium Delivery locations.
August 23: Last day for document drop-off at Ghana locations for delivery to the Embassy.
August 26: The new visa appointment website updates services, including fee payments, appointment scheduling, and document drop-off.
Applicants are advised to review their visa requirements and ensure they meet all necessary criteria for their intended travel under U.S. immigration law.
