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Visitor & short-stay visas

Ghanaian Ghana Visa on Arrival / Emergency Entry Visa

An emergency entry stamp issued on arrival for travellers who could not obtain a visa in advance, for example where there is no nearby Ghanaian mission, at short notice, or where a Ghana-based sponsor applies for them.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The US$200 fee is from the GIS Fees and Charges schedule effective 15 May 2025 and may change. Verify the current fee and whether any express/urgent option applies with GIS before quoting.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ghana government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa on Arrival / Emergency Entry Visa
Route type
Visa on arrival
Cost
US$200
Emergency Entry Visa / Visa on Arrival, GIS Fees and Charges schedule effective 15 May 2025
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days
Extendable after arrival depending on circumstances
Number of entries
Single entry
Where to apply
Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters, Accra (your host applies on your behalf)
Key rule
Must be approved before you board your flight to Ghana

Who can apply

  • Travellers with no Ghanaian diplomatic mission near them
  • People travelling to Ghana at short notice for a conference, business or an emergency
  • Travellers whose Ghana-based sponsor applies on their behalf

What you can do

  • Enter Ghana on a single-entry emergency basis

Requirements

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • A flight itinerary or e-ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or the host's address)
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
  • A formal application letter to the Ghana Immigration Service, submitted by your host
  • Your host's ID or business registration documents

How to apply

Your host in Ghana (a company, organisation or citizen) submits the application to the Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters in Accra before you travel — you can no longer simply turn up at the airport without prior approval.

GIS reviews the request and, if approved, issues an approval letter that is sent to you and to the authorities at Kotoka International Airport. You then travel carrying the approval letter, your passport and your Yellow Fever certificate, and the entry visa is stamped on arrival subject to conditions at the port of entry.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. GIS now requires the Visa on Arrival / Emergency Entry Visa to be approved before you board your flight. Your host in Ghana must apply to the Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters on your behalf, and you travel with the approval letter.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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