Visa requirements

Ghana

General visa requirements for travelling to Ghana. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: immediate
Fee: Free
Validity: unlimited
Entry: Multiple entry

Citizens of ECOWAS member states are exempted from visa requirements to Ghana. Note: Burkina Faso (BF), Mali (ML), and Niger (NE) withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 and are no longer eligible for visa-free access.

Eligibility

Nationality
Available to citizens of ECOWAS member states: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Eligible countries: Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate

Tourist visa (Zambia Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: immediate
Fee: Free
Validity: unlimited
Entry: Multiple entry

Bilateral visa-free agreement between Ghana and Zambia announced in February 2026.

Eligibility

Nationality
Available to Zambian citizens under bilateral agreement effective February 2026.

Eligible countries: Zambia

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate

Tourist visa (African Union Visa on Arrival)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: pre-approval required before travel
Fee: $150 USD
Validity: 30 days from issuance
Entry: Single entry

African passport holders should check the official Ghana e-Visa portal unless an official exemption applies. Do not travel on arrival-only information unless Ghana Immigration Service confirms it for the route.

Eligibility

Nationality
Available to African Union nationals not part of ECOWAS and not eligible for visa-free access.

Eligible countries: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, United Republic of, Tunisia, Uganda
Purpose of visit
Tourism, business visits, and other short-term purposes
Includes
- Tourism
- business meetings
- conferences
- family visits

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, cash, credit cards; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for duration of stay
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking or invitation letter from host in Ghana; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash or card at airport; Amount: $150 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, yellow fever certificate, flight booking, hotel reservation, and proof of funds
Online application
Host in Ghana submits pre-approval request to Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) with applicant's documents
Processing wait
Wait for pre-approval from GIS before booking flight
Fee payment
Check the Ghana e-Visa portal or Ghana Immigration Service pre-approval notice for current fees and payment instructions.
Visa collection
Receive visa stamp at port of entry

Journalist visa (Journalist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 5-7 business days
Fee: $60 USD
Validity: 90 days from issuance
Entry: Single entry

Issued to media personnel for journalism or press-related activities in Ghana. Requires press accreditation verification.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Journalism, press coverage, media reporting activities
Includes
- News coverage
- documentary filming
- press reporting
Employment
Must be accredited journalist or media professional

Required status: Employed by recognized media organization with valid press credentials

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Journalist Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment to embassy; Amount: $60 USD
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, press credentials/accreditation, assignment letter from media organization, and yellow fever certificate
Online application
Apply for press accreditation and complete visa application
Fee payment
Pay journalist visa fee
Document submission
Submit application and credentials to Ghana embassy
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing and press accreditation verification
Visa collection
Collect passport with journalist visa

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 3-5 business days
Fee: Free
Validity: As per diplomatic assignment
Entry: Multiple entry

Issued to diplomats and individuals holding diplomatic or service passports on official government business.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Official government business, diplomatic assignments
Includes
- Diplomatic missions
- official government business

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Official note verbale from sending government or international organization
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Diplomatic Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather diplomatic passport, note verbale, and official documents
Document submission
Submit application through diplomatic channels to Ghana embassy
Processing wait
Wait for diplomatic visa processing
Visa collection
Collect diplomatic visa

Transit visa (Transit Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 2 days
Processing time: 5 business days
Fee: $60 USD
Validity: 48 hours
Entry: Single entry

Required for travelers who need to pass through immigration and customs or leave the airport during transit. Not required for airside transit without leaving airport.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Transit through Ghana to another destination
Includes
- Transit to final destination

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Transit Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate websites
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment to embassy; Amount: $60 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, flight tickets showing onward travel, visa for destination country, and yellow fever certificate
Online application
Complete Ghana transit visa application form
Fee payment
Pay transit visa fee
Document submission
Submit application to Ghana embassy
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with transit visa

Work / Immigration visa (Work Permit (In-Quota))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 4-6 weeks
Fee: $500 USD (ECOWAS nationals) / $1,000 USD (other nationals)
Validity: 1 year, renewable
Entry: Multiple entry

Work permit for foreign nationals employed by Ghanaian companies. Quota system applies. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.

Eligibility

Employment
Must have job offer from Ghanaian employer and meet quota requirements

Required status: Employed by registered Ghanaian company
Health
Must pass medical examination including tests for Hepatitis A/B, HIV, Syphilis, TB, and other conditions

Required vaccinations: Yellow Fever
Criminal record
Must have clean police clearance from country of origin and residence

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Police clearance
Countries required: Country of origin and residence; Validity months: 6
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Work Permit Application Form; Form url: Available through Ghana Immigration Service
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Payment to Ghana Immigration Service; Amount: $500 USD (ECOWAS) / $1,000 USD (other)
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

Accepted documents: Certificate of incorporation, business registration certificate
Health exam
Panel physician required: Ghana Immigration Service medical facility; Validity months: 12
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, work contract, employment letter, company registration documents, educational certificates, and police clearance
Online application
Employer submits work permit application to Ghana Immigration Service
Fee payment
Pay work permit fee
Processing wait
Wait for GIS approval and work permit issuance
Biometrics
Complete biometrics and medical examination at GIS facility in Ghana
Visa collection
Collect work permit and residence permit

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 5 business days
Fee: $35 USD
Validity: Duration of academic program
Entry: Single entry

Student visa for full-time study at Ghanaian educational institutions. Can be extended in Ghana as needed for continuation of studies.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Full-time study at accredited Ghanaian educational institution
Includes
- University degree programs
- certificate courses
- diploma programs
Financial
Demonstrate ability to cover tuition and living expenses

Minimum funds: $500 USD per month

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size, full face on plain white background
Bank statement
Minimum balance: $500 USD per month for duration of studies; Months required: 3
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Student Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate websites
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment to embassy; Amount: $35 USD
Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.

Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, admission letter from Ghanaian institution, proof of tuition payment/financial sponsorship, bank statements, and yellow fever certificate
Online application
Complete Ghana student visa application form online
Fee payment
Pay student visa fee online
Document submission
Submit application and supporting documents to Ghana embassy
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with student visa

Business visa (Business Visa (Embassy/Consulate))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 5 business days (standard)
Fee: $60 USD (single entry) / $80-155 USD (multiple entry)
Validity: 90 days from issuance (single) / 6 months to 3 years (multiple)
Entry: Single entry

Business visa for commercial activities, meetings, conferences, and contract negotiations. Multiple entry option available for frequent business travelers.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, commercial activities
Includes
- Business meetings
- conferences
- trade activities
- contract negotiations
Employment
Applicant must be employed or self-employed in business sector

Required status: Employed or business owner

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size, full face on plain white background, taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay; Months required: 3
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Ghanaian company on letterhead, naming dates, purpose, contact details, addressed to Consulate of Ghana, signed by senior manager. Must include applicant's name, passport number, intended arrival/departure dates, nature of business, residential address and phone number in Ghana. Host must provide passport copy (or residency permit if non-Ghanaian).
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate websites
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment to embassy; Amount: $60 USD (single) / $80-155 USD (multiple)

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, invitation letter from Ghanaian company, employment letter, flight booking, and bank statements
Online application
Complete Ghana business visa application form online
Fee payment
Pay business visa fee online
Document submission
Submit application and supporting documents to Ghana embassy
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with business visa

Tourist visa (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (Embassy/Consulate))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 5 business days (standard)
Fee: $80-155 USD
Validity: 6 months to 3 years
Entry: Multiple entry

Multiple entry visa allows multiple visits to Ghana within validity period. Each stay limited to 90 days. Validity period at discretion of consular officer.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Frequent tourism, multiple leisure visits, regular family visits
Includes
- Tourism
- leisure
- family visits requiring multiple entries

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size, full face on plain white background, taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay; Months required: 3
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate websites
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever; Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment to embassy; Amount: $80-155 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, flight booking, and bank statements
Online application
Complete Ghana visa application form online, requesting multiple entry visa
Fee payment
Pay multiple entry visa fee online
Document submission
Submit application and supporting documents to Ghana embassy
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with multiple entry visa

Tourist visa (Tourist Visa (Embassy/Consulate))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 5 business days (standard) / 7 days (expedited) / same day (rush, double fee)
Fee: $60 USD (single entry) / $100 USD (rush)
Validity: 90 days from issuance
Entry: Single entry

Ghana launched the official e-Visa platform on 25 May 2026. Check the portal for current eligibility, documents, fees and processing before using an embassy route.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Tourism, leisure, and visiting friends or family
Includes
- Tourism
- leisure travel
- family visits
- sightseeing

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Standard passport size, full face on plain white background, taken within last 6 months, no dark glasses or hat. For online: 140px x 170px, jpg format
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay (no specific amount mandated); Months required: 3
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking or invitation letter from host; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Ghana Visa Application Form; Form url: Available at Ghana embassy/consulate websites
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow Fever (administered at least 10 days before travel); Validity months: 120
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment to embassy; Amount: $60 USD (standard) / $100 USD (rush)

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, flight booking, hotel reservation, and bank statements
Online application
Complete Ghana visa application form online through embassy website
Fee payment
Pay visa fee online to Ghana embassy
Document submission
Submit application and supporting documents to Ghana embassy or consulate
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa from embassy/consulate

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.