With the excitement of the upcoming World Cup building across the globe, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana has issued a timely reminder for visitors traveling to the United States: always carry your passport.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra today, Rolf Olson, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy, emphasized the role of valid travel documents in ensuring smooth and safe experiences for fans, teams, and visitors alike.
“Since last year, we have welcomed visitors from around the world teams who are coming, fans who are coming,” Olson said. He highlighted that hundreds of consular officers were deployed to locations with high demand for visas, including Ghana, to ensure that travelers could access consular services efficiently. “They placed great emphasis on this and did a lot of work to make sure the experience as a whole was positive,” he added.
Olson stressed that large international sporting events, such as the World Cup, require extensive collaboration and planning. “Especially when these events are held across multiple cities, a lot of effort goes into ensuring a safe environment. That’s something the government prioritizes,” he said.
Central to this effort, Olson noted, is the need for travelers to carry identification documents. “If you’re entering the country on a valid passport with a valid U.S. visa, you should be having that with you at all times. That’s the standard,” he said. Olson explained that Ghanaian authorities expect U.S. visitors to always have their passport on hand.
He cited examples from his own experience, noting that even he has been stopped by police while traveling in Ghana. “It happens,” he said. “So you need to be able to say, ‘This is who I am. I have my identity document.’ Then you can proceed.” The emphasis is on preparedness: having the right documentation ready ensures that visitors can navigate law enforcement checks without stress or delay.
Beyond the practicalities of law enforcement, Olson also touched on broader travel advice. He encouraged visitors to focus on their World Cup activities, engage legally, and comply with the laws of the countries they visit. “Be clear about what you’re doing. Make sure you have your identity documents with you and engage in conduct that’s related to the World Cup,” he said. “If you do this, you’re going to have a great experience.”
Olson’s comments underscore the U.S. Embassy’s broader mission: facilitating safe and enjoyable travel for all visitors. By deploying additional consular officers and streamlining visa processes in countries like Ghana, the embassy aims to reduce barriers for international fans while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
For travelers, the message is simple but critical: your passport is your key to freedom of movement. Whether attending matches, exploring host cities, or participating in World Cup events, having valid identification at all times is non-negotiable. The U.S. Embassy recommends checking visa validity before travel, keeping the passport secure but accessible, and always being ready to present it when requested by authorities.
As anticipation builds for the global sporting spectacle, Olson’s reminder comes at an important time. “We’re interested in facilitating travel for people who are going and observing in terms of what they’re doing,” he said. Ensuring visitors carry proper identification not only smooths their journey but also helps authorities maintain a safe and well-organized environment for everyone.
In short, for fans planning their World Cup adventure, Rolf Olson’s advice is clear: pack your enthusiasm—and your passport. It’s not just a formality; it’s your lifeline to a seamless, enjoyable, and legally compliant experience abroad.
