The United States government has announced new travel requirements that will affect Ghanaian and other African football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Under a new directive issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, foreign visitors will now be required to submit five years of social media history as part of their visa or entry applications.
The directive will first apply to nationals from countries under the US Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. However, officials say the policy will gradually extend to other visa categories, ultimately affecting all travellers seeking entry into the United States.
The DHS document states: “Mandatory Social Media: To comply with the January 2025 Executive Order 14161 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), CBP is adding social media as a mandatory data element for an ESTA application. The data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years.”
Ghanaian fans hoping to cheer on their national team at the World Cup, which kicks off on 19 July 2026, will therefore be expected to disclose their social media activity as part of the visa process. The requirement also affects travellers under the H-1B work visa category and their dependents beginning December 2025, with applicants instructed to make their social media profiles public for review. Students and others who applied earlier in the year are already undergoing similar screening.
Though Ghana and other African countries were not explicitly listed by DHS, the far-reaching nature of the directive means African football supporters will almost certainly be impacted as they prepare for international travel.
Meanwhile, FIFA’s Chief Safety and Security Officer, G. B. Jones, has urged African fans to acquaint themselves with stadium regulations ahead of the tournament. While fan energy and cultural vibrancy are welcome, officials warn that certain items, including fireworks, pyrotechnics, and some musical instruments—will be prohibited inside stadiums across the three host nations.
African football supporters are therefore encouraged to ensure that their travel documents, social media accounts, and matchday plans fully comply with the new rules to avoid disruptions.
