Ghana is an exciting and rewarding destination for tourists, businesspeople, and students. A large number of travellers visit Ghana each year to experience the local culture, attend conferences, enrol in study courses, and enjoy a host of other activities. Understanding the visa process is essential, no matter if you are visiting for business, tourism, or education. There is a structured visa system in Ghana that facilitates foreigners’ entry. We cover everything you need to know about Ghana visa types, application requirements, and how to apply. Additionally, you will discover how the Akwaaba App simplifies the entire process.

Does Ghana Require a Visa?

Yes, Ghana requires a visa for most foreign nationals. Your visa policy depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Visitors to Ghana must possess a valid passport and obtain a valid entry permit or visa from the Ghana embassy or consulate, or any other authority authorized to issue visas. Ghana does not require visas for nationals of ECOWAS member states and other countries with bilateral agreements with the government. 

Exempted nationals may stay in the country for 60 or 90 days, depending on their nationality. The government of Ghana offers multiple visa types for visitors, including single-entry and multiple-entry. Generally, visas last for three months, although some are extended up to one year. Through Ghana Immigration Services, visas may be extended in some cases.

Does Ghana Require a Visa for a Green Passport?

Green passports are official or diplomatic passports issued by various countries. The visa policy of Ghana varies depending on the country issuing the visa.

• For Nigerian Green Passport Holders: Since Nigeria is part of ECOWAS, a visa is not required for short visits (up to 90 days).
• For Other Green Passport Holders: Official or diplomatic passport holders from some countries do not require a visa. Regular visitors, however, must obtain a visa.

What Are the Types of Ghana Visa?

A variety of visa categories are available in Ghana depending on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. These include short-term (C-type) and long-term (D-type) visas.

What Are the Ghana C-Type (Short-Term) Visa Types?

• Tourism/Visit visa: The tourist visa is available to travellers planning short-term leisure activities, such as sightseeing or attending a cultural event.
• Family visit visa: Visitor visas are issued to travellers who are visiting family members or taking part in other relevant activities in Ghana.
• Business visa: A short-term business visa can be applied for by individuals who wish to engage in short-term business activities in Ghana.
• Transit visa: Passengers passing through Ghana on their way to their next destination can apply for this type of visa. An onward ticket must be presented by the applicant.
• Cultural/Research Visa: This visa is designed for cultural exchange programs, exhibitions, or research.

What Are the Ghana D-Type (Long-Term) Visa Types?

• Studies/Voluntary/ Internship visa: Students who intend to study in Ghana at a Ghanaian educational institution, volunteer, or engage in an internship are eligible for this type of visa.
• Work visa: A foreign national employee can obtain this visa type to come to Ghana for work purposes.
• Official visa: Diplomatic passport holders and their family members, as well as officials and service personnel, are eligible for this visa. 
• Media visa: Travel to Ghana for work-related activities is possible for journalists, foreign correspondents, and other media professionals with this visa. 

What Are the Requirements for a Ghana Visa?

Visitors to Ghana must obtain the appropriate visas from a Ghanaian Consulate abroad. Visas can sometimes be obtained on arrival in Ghana unless you are excluded from requiring them. Ghanaian immigration consultants will explain the requirements applicable to you. Additionally, they can provide you with the forms and documents you need to obtain a Ghanaian visa.

A work permit is required before you enter Ghana with the intention of working. Applications are submitted to Ghana’s Comptroller General of Immigration. A local company must sponsor your immigration application as one of the requirements.

A letter of approval from Ghana’s government and a work permit will allow you to travel to Ghana. After that, your work permit becomes effective. GIS medical examinations are mandatory in Ghana. All Ghanaian immigration permits, including renewals, must meet this requirement.

Documents Required for a Ghana Visa Application

Ghana visa applicants are required to submit some basic documents with their visa application. All applicants for a Ghana visa must submit several documents depending on the purpose of their trip and the foreign mission to which they apply. Ghana visa documents for all travellers are as follows:

A valid passport

The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure from Ghana, and the applicant’s signature must be present.

Passport-sized photo

Photographs must be passport-sized, recently taken, and in colour.

Completed application form

The application form must be completed accurately and printed. Before submitting them, applicants must sign and date them. Passport signatures must match.

Payment receipt

Visa applications cannot be processed unless the appropriate visa fees have been paid. 

Vaccination proof

Travellers to Ghana must show proof of a recent yellow fever vaccination.

What are the steps for a Ghana visa application?

Ghana visa applications can be completed and submitted in a few simple steps:

1. Fill out the visa application form: Visa applications can be submitted online. Applications must be submitted online within 14 days. Applicants who submit incomplete applications will be deleted automatically and will need to reapply.
2. Pay the visa fee: Visa applications cannot be processed without paying the visa fee. Applicants will be required to pay differently depending on what foreign mission they submit their application to.
3. Submit a visa application: An applicant must lodge their signed visa application form, passport, proof of payment, and all relevant supporting documents at the nearest foreign mission (embassy or consulate). Foreign missions accept applications via post or in person.
4. Processing visas: Visa applicants will either receive their passports back with their visas stuck inside or they will have to pick up their passports from the relevant embassy. 

What Are the Ghana Visa Photo Requirements?

Ghana visa applicants must submit passport photos that meet the following requirements:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm.
• Background: Plain white or light-colored.
• Facial Expression: Neutral (no smiling or frowning).
• Recentness: The photo should have been taken within the last six months.
• Quality: High resolution without shadows, reflections, or filters.

Properly taken photos are more likely to be accepted, so it is best to have them taken by a professional photographer. You can check the Ghana consulate’s requirements or use the Akwaaba App to see sample photos.

How to Write an Invitation Letter for a Ghana Visa?

Many people find it confusing, but writing a letter of invitation might be the easiest part of your visa application if you know what it’s for. The guest must write the letter and address it to you or the consular officer. When you receive the checklist of visa requirements, make sure to check whether each embassy has its invitation form. Your host needs only to fill in the blanks with the right information if they have a form already.

The writer of an invitation letter must keep in mind that the letter must include some important details about the host and guest. The host’s information must be included in the letter:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Telephone number
• Occupation
• Type of home (owned/rented house, flat / room)
• Host’s residence status (if the host holds a work visa or a student visa, is a permanent resident, or is a citizen)
• Signature

In Which Language Should Ghana Visa Documents Be?

The language of all visa documents must be English. Documents in another language (birth certificates, bank statements, etc.) must be translated by a certified translator.

Among the most common documents that require translation are:

• Marriage or birth certificates.
• Educational certificates (for student visas).
• Bank statements.

When you submit documents in the wrong language, your application may be delayed or rejected. Verify translation requirements before applying.

How Much Is the Ghana Visa Fee?

Ghanaian visas have different costs and fees. You can discuss the costs of your visa with your immigration consultant so you know exactly what you’re paying. Also, you won’t be caught off guard by hidden processing fees.

Who Is Exempt from the Ghana Visa Fee?

Some travellers don’t need to pay a visa fee, such as:

• ECOWAS citizens (visa-free entry).
• Children under a certain age (varies by country).
• Diplomatic passport holders (from select countries).

Check with the Ghanaian consulate if you believe you are exempt.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ghana Visa?

• Standard processing: 5–15 business days.
• Express processing: 24–72 hours (extra fees apply).

How to Track Ghana Visa Application Status?

Check updates through:

• Website of Ghana Immigration Service.
• Real-time tracking with the Akwaaba App.

What Are the Reasons for Ghana Visa Rejection?

1. Incorrect or missing information or documentation: 

Visa rejections are most often caused by inaccurate information or documentation. The applicant might miss an important document or make an error when filling out paperwork. It is often straightforward to apply for a visa, but applicants must follow the steps exactly and be meticulous.

2. Insufficient financial proof: 

Visa applicants in many countries must show proof that they can support themselves financially during their stay. There is a valid reason for rejecting a visa if you do not have adequate funds. Applicants must be self-sufficient while travelling and have a means of returning home.  

3. Criminal record: 

The presence of a criminal record can also lead to a visa rejection. An individual with a history of serious crimes is particularly at risk. Those charged with terrorist activities or drug trafficking are particularly vigilant by immigration authorities.

4. Validity of passport: 

Applicants without valid passports or identity documents may have their visa applications rejected. There are many visas that require the passport to be valid for a certain period after the intended travel date. A passport with insufficient blank pages can also result in a visa rejection.  

5. An unclear travel itinerary:

A visa application might be rejected if the applicant fails to provide a clear and detailed itinerary or purpose of travel. For tourist visas, applicants must prove that they do not intend to overstay or work illegally. 

6. Violations of immigration law:

Visa applications that are rejected are more likely to come from applicants who have violated immigration laws or overstayed visas in the past. All travelers must adhere to immigration laws and officials must be wary of anyone more likely to break them. 

Akwaaba App – Your Travel Companion

Are you looking for an easy way to process your Ghana visa? Among the features of the Akwaaba App are:

• Real-time visa updates to ensure you don’t miss any changes.
• Step-by-step visa application guidance.
• Local travel recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
• 24/7 support for visa-related questions.

With Akwaaba App, your Ghana travel experience is smooth and stress-free, whether you are visiting for business, tourism, or work.