As of early 2025, Ghana has implemented a visa-free entry policy for all African nationals, positioning itself among a limited number of African states extending unrestricted access to citizens of the continent. This policy is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional mobility and Pan-African cooperation.
Travellers from non-African countries must obtain a valid visa prior to entry unless explicitly exempt. Scheduled travel plans should be confirmed before submitting any visa application. All travellers must comply with entry health protocols, passport validity requirements, and visa documentation procedures before departure. This information should be verified with the Ghana High Commission or the nearest Ghanaian consulate.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Ghana?
As of 2025, citizens of all African countries may now enter Ghana without a visa for short-term stays. This marks a significant expansion from the previous regime, which offered visa-free access to 26 African countries and visas on arrival for 25 others.
Travellers from outside Africa are generally required to obtain a visa in advance unless they are citizens of specific visa-exempt states.
For more information on visas to Ghana, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteEntry into Ghana
Health and Entry Requirements
All travellers entering Ghana must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from their intended date of entry. Visa requirements apply unless you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers over nine months of age entering or transiting through Ghana. The certificate must be presented upon arrival. Failure to provide one may result in refusal of entry or vaccination on the spot at the traveller’s expense.
Other Recommended Vaccinations
While not required for entry, travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio. Depending on your itinerary and personal health, additional vaccinations—such as those for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies—may be recommended. Consult a travel health professional before your trip.
Travel Health and Safety
- Proof of accommodation and onward or return travel arrangements may be requested at immigration.
- Customs regulations: Declare all items of value and prohibited goods upon arrival. Currency over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.
- Security screening: All travellers and luggage are subject to standard security checks upon entry and departure.
Recent Updates and Additional Notes
- E-Visa: Ghana operates an e-visa system for nationals of most countries who require a visa. Applications can be made online before travel.
- Biometric registration: Some travellers may be required to provide biometric data upon arrival, in line with immigration policies.
- Travel insurance: While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors.
Upon Arrival
All travel, health, and customs documents will be reviewed by immigration and health officials. Travellers are encouraged to keep all relevant documents accessible for inspection. Always check the latest entry requirements and travel advisories from the Ghana High Commission or the nearest Ghanaian consulate before your trip, as policies may change.
Visa-Free Entry
Travellers from all other non-African countries must obtain a Ghana visa before travel. The following non-African countries are currently visa-exempt for entry into Ghana:
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Haiti
Jamaica
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Fiji
Micronesia
Vanuatu
Bangladesh
Indonesia
Singapore
Appointment Waiting Times
Appointments for visa services are allocated via the Ghana High Commission’s scheduling system.
- Current appointment wait time: Between 3 and 10 working days depending on applicant volume and season
- Processing begins after attendance at the scheduled appointment
- Applicants will be notified of processing timelines after initial review
Early application is strongly recommended, especially for travel during peak seasons or holiday periods.
Visa Processing Time
As of May 2025, Ghana has introduced a new policy reducing the maximum processing time for most visa applications to five business days for a decision. This applies to tourists, business travellers, and investors.
However, processing times at some Ghanaian consulates abroad may still require 10–15 working days or more due to local procedures or the need to submit hard-copy documents. Always confirm the current processing time with the Ghana High Commission or consulate handling your application before travel.
Eligibility to Apply for a Ghana Visa
Travellers required to obtain a visa must meet the following eligibility conditions and submit appropriate documentation:
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with at least one blank visa page
- Recent passport-sized photograph(s)
- Business support letter and business invitation (for business visas)
- Host’s national ID or residence permit (for sponsored stays)
- Proof of travel arrangements (round-trip ticket or itinerary)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for travellers over nine months old)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation from host)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (may be required)
- Parental consent and supporting documents for minors (if applicable)
Incomplete documentation may result in delays or denial of entry. Applicants are advised to verify all requirements with the Ghanaian consulate processing their application, as requirements may vary by consulate and visa category.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Ghana visa types
Ghana offers multiple visa categories to accommodate a range of travel purposes. Applicants must select the correct visa class based on the nature of their visit:
Tourist Visa
- For leisure travel and short-term private visits.
Business Visa
- For commercial engagements, meetings, or trade events.
- Requires a business letter and Ghanaian partner/company invitation.
Missionary Visa
- For individuals participating in religious missions or church activities.
Official Visa
- For holders of diplomatic or government service passports travelling for official duties.
Volunteer Visa
- For international volunteers participating in development or community programmes.
Work Visa
- For individuals with authorised employment offers from Ghana-based organisations.
- Subject to approval by the Ghana Immigration Service.
Student Visa
- For individuals accepted to study full-time at a recognised educational institution in Ghana.
- Applicants must provide an admission or acceptance letter from the institution, evidence of paid tuition fees, proof of sufficient funds for living expenses, and private medical insurance.
- It must be demonstrated that the applicant intends to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Transit Visa
- For travellers passing through Ghana en route to another country.
- Applicants must provide proof of onward travel and may be required to show a visa for the final destination, if applicable.
Each visa type has specific documentation requirements and may vary in permitted length of stay and entry type (single vs. multiple). Always check with the Ghanaian consulate or embassy for the latest requirements before applying.
What to Do if Your Ghana Visa Is Refused
Applicants whose Ghana visa applications are refused may pursue the following course of action:
- Submit an appeal to the issuing consulate.
- The appeal must be made within the timeframe specified in your refusal notice (commonly within 15 calendar days, but always verify with the consulate as procedures may vary).
- Appeals must be submitted in original, signed format and addressed to the issuing authority.
- Appeals must directly address the reasons for the original refusal as outlined in the rejection notice.
- If denied again, applicants must restart the full visa process, including new forms, fees, and documentation.
- Approval is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of the reviewing consular officer.
Legal Assistance and Further Options:
Consult with an immigration lawyer:
- In complex or sensitive cases, you may wish to consult with an immigration lawyer or legal expert who can assist you with the appeal process or help you submit new supporting documents.
Alternative to appeal:
- If an appeal is not possible or if you believe submitting a new application is a better option, you may reapply for the visa by providing the required documents and correcting any mistakes.
Always check the official website of the Ghanaian consulate or embassy for the most current procedures and requirements before proceeding with an appeal or new application.
Actionable Instruction:
Travellers requiring a Ghana visa should begin the application process at least four weeks in advance of intended travel. Confirm appointment availability early, gather all required documentation, and submit health declarations no later than 72 hours before departure. Citizens of African countries may enter visa-free, but all travellers must comply with health screening protocols at the port of entry.