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Friendship With Vigilance

GENERAL INFORMATION ON GHANA’S VISAS

Ghana’s Visa is basically an authorization given to enable a person to travel and present himself for entry into Ghana. It has to be noted that a Visa is not a guarantee of entry into Ghana since it is subject to regularization and the fulfillment of other conditions at the point of entry.

The visa policy seeks to facilitate and regulate the entry of visa nationals in order to determine their eligibility to enter the country under the Immigration laws before they set out. Moreover, it is to effect a pre-entry check in order to identify and prevent from travelling to Ghana, people likely to pose a threat to national security and / or to engage in activities that contravene the laws of the country.

The two main legislations which govern the country’s visa regime are the IMMIGRATION ACT, 2000, [Act 573] and IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS, 2001, [L.I 1691]. It’s important to note that, a person other than a citizen of Ghana entering Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or other travel document and a valid visa [where necessary] to enter Ghana.

Where a person who appears before an Immigration officer and does not have a visa or an emergency entry visa may be granted a visa subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by Regulations; and to such other conditions that the Immigration officer may impose.

Some countries in West Africa [ECOWAS member states] and some other countries in Africa are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering Ghana. Nationals from African Union member states who are not ECOWAS nationals may obtain a visa on arrival after the payment of the required fees. Similarly, holders of diplomatic/Service passports of selected countries, persons in direct airside transit, as well as holders of official passports of some specialized agencies listed in the Visa Regime of Ghana are exempt from obtaining a visa.

Moreover, there are two broad categories of Ghana Visas; those issued outside Ghana and those issued in Ghana. Visas issued in any of Ghana’s 56 Diplomatic Missions abroad cover single or multiple journeys for periods between Six months to Five years. Visas issued in Ghana, on the other hand, include Transit Visas, Emergency Entry Visas, Visas on Arrival and Re-Entry Visas.

REQUIREMENT WHEN APPLYING FOR GHANA ENTRY VISA

Applicants should be legally resident in the country where Ghana’s Mission is sited
Applicant’s passport photographs should have been taken not more than three months prior to the date of submission.
Applicant should attach a copy of a return ticket or print-out of travel itinerary
An international certificate of vaccination for Yellow Fever
Applicant’s passport must have validity of at least six (6) months

Additional information:

BUSINESS VISAS: In addition to the above, a letter from the applicant’s organization in the country where mission is situated, stating among other things the reasons for the visit and a supporting /invitation letter from the applicant’s Business Associates in Ghana. STUDY VISAS: In addition to the above, a letter from the institution in the country where mission is situated, stating the purpose of the visit and financial means whilst in Ghana. A letter of acceptance from the institution in Ghana is also required. EMPLOYMENT VISAS: Applicants for employment visas are required to submit in addition to their form an Employment Contract and a proof of

Grant of Employment Quota in Ghana. REFERENCES: Applicant could use any of the following as a reference

Addresses of Business Associates
Address of Hotel/Lodge
Educational Institution in Ghana

Friendship With Vigilance

GENERAL INFORMATION ON GHANA’S VISAS

PART I—ENTRY AND DEPARTURE

Section 1—Disembarkation.

A person in charge of a sea-going vessel, aircraft or vehicle arriving at any port or place in Ghana shall not permit a passenger who embarked outside Ghana to disembark until disembarkation has been authorized by the immigration officer.

Section 2—Appearance Before Immigration Officer on Entering Ghana.

(1) A person entering Ghana shall enter at an authorized point and shall proceed to the nearest immigration office, produce his travel document and complete the prescribed forms.
(2) A person who arrives by sea or air in Ghana at a place other than an authorized place or port, shall within forty-eight hours proceed to and report to the immigration officer at the nearest immigration post.
(3) An immigration officer to whom a person reports in accordance with this section shall, if the person is not prohibited from entering Ghana, and he is satisfied by documentary or other evidence of the person’s identity grant that person entry subject to this Act.
(4) An immigration officer may dispense with the personal attendance of any person if he is satisfied by documentary or other evidence of that person’s identity and right to enter Ghana.
(5) This section does not apply to any person who enters Ghana in direct transit to a place outside Ghana where that person arrives in:
(a) A vessel which is proceeding to a place outside Ghana and does not disembark from the vessel;
(b) An aircraft, and does not leave the transit area of the airport and leaves Ghana within twenty-four hours of arrival on the same aircraft or another aircraft; or
(c) A vehicle or vessel or aircraft and is escorted by an immigration officer from the point of entry to the exit point, and leaves Ghana within forty-eight hours of arrival.
(6) Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million cedis or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both.
(7) Subject to this Act, Regulations may provide for passengers in transit without entry visa to enter Ghana for the purpose of seeing places of interest.

Friendship With Vigilance

GENERAL INFORMATION ON GHANA’S VISAS

REQUIREMENT WHEN APPLYING FOR GHANA ENTRY VISA

Applicants should be legally resident in the country where Ghana’s Mission is sited
Applicant’s passport photographs should have been taken not more than three months prior to the date of submission.
Applicant should attach a copy of a return ticket or print-out of travel itinerary
An international certificate of vaccination for Yellow Fever
Applicant’s passport must have validity of at least six (6) months

Additional information:

Grant of Employment Quota in Ghana. REFERENCES: Applicant could use any of the following as a reference

Addresses of Business Associates
Address of Hotel/Lodge
Educational Institution in Ghana

PART I—ENTRY AND DEPARTURE

Section 1—Disembarkation.

Section 2—Appearance Before Immigration Officer on Entering Ghana.

(1) A person entering Ghana shall enter at an authorized point and shall proceed to the nearest immigration office, produce his travel document and complete the prescribed forms.
(2) A person who arrives by sea or air in Ghana at a place other than an authorized place or port, shall within forty-eight hours proceed to and report to the immigration officer at the nearest immigration post.
(3) An immigration officer to whom a person reports in accordance with this section shall, if the person is not prohibited from entering Ghana, and he is satisfied by documentary or other evidence of the person’s identity grant that person entry subject to this Act.
(4) An immigration officer may dispense with the personal attendance of any person if he is satisfied by documentary or other evidence of that person’s identity and right to enter Ghana.
(5) This section does not apply to any person who enters Ghana in direct transit to a place outside Ghana where that person arrives in:
(a) A vessel which is proceeding to a place outside Ghana and does not disembark from the vessel;
(b) An aircraft, and does not leave the transit area of the airport and leaves Ghana within twenty-four hours of arrival on the same aircraft or another aircraft; or
(c) A vehicle or vessel or aircraft and is escorted by an immigration officer from the point of entry to the exit point, and leaves Ghana within forty-eight hours of arrival.
(6) Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million cedis or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both.
(7) Subject to this Act, Regulations may provide for passengers in transit without entry visa to enter Ghana for the purpose of seeing places of interest.

Conditions for Entry into Ghana.

(1) Subject to this Act where an immigration officer is satisfied that a person other than a citizen of Ghana entering Ghana;
(a) is in possession of a valid passport or other travel document and a valid visa to enter Ghana where applicable;
(b) Is exempted from obtaining a visa to enter Ghana;
(c) Has his name endorsed upon a visa and is in the company of the holder of the visa;
(d) Has applied and been granted an emergency entry permit; or
(e) Is a person admitted to diplomatic status by the Government of Ghana, the immigration officer may permit that person to enter Ghana for a period that may be specified.
(2) A prohibited immigrant within the meaning of section 8 shall not be permitted to enter Ghana.
(3) Where a person who appears before an immigration officer does not have a visa or an emergency entry permit, the immigration officer may grant him a visa subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by Regulations, and to such other conditions that the immigration officer may impose.
(4) Conditions prescribed for the purpose of this section may relate to—
(a) Security to be furnished whether by bond, deposit or otherwise, and the liability of the person who provides the security;
(b) Place of residence in Ghana;
(c) Occupation or business to be followed or undertaken;
(d) Any activities which might offend the religious beliefs of any section of the community;
(e) In the case of permission for passing through Ghana, the route to be followed; and
(f) In the case of any condition or permit in the form of a pass, the return of the pass

GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE

The Ghana Immigration Service has been established as the Agency under the Ministry of the Interior to advise on and to ensure the effective implementation of all laws and regulations pertaining to immigration and related issues. The Comptroller General of Immigration, being the head of the Service acts as the Chief Advisor to the Service Board and the Minister of the Interior. He/She is also responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Service. The Ghana Immigration Service is mandated to regulate and monitor the entry, residence, employment and exit of all foreigners. Movement of Ghanaians into and out of the country is equally monitored.

Strategic Objectives

To achieve its vision, the Service has set for itself three strategic objectives and these are as follows:
Managing Migration in the National Interest by;
   Promoting migration that contributes to the economic, social and developmental interests of Ghana and the communities residing therein
   Facilitating the border crossings of legitimate travelers at authorized routes
   Administering the rights of visitors to Ghana.
Defend Against Irregular Migration:
   Preventing, detecting and deterring border crossings at unauthorized routes
   Detecting and stopping threats at entry points.
To Contribute To National Security:
   Tackling immigration crime
   Collaborating with other Ghanaian security agencies
   Working with other states to improve the quality of operations

Vision

Delivering excellence in migration management for national development

Mission Statement

To build a stronger and better Ghana by operating a fair but firm immigration controls that regulate and facilitate the movement of people through Ghana’s borders and efficient, effective residence and work permit systems that meet the social and economic needs of the country.

>Legislative Mandate

The main legal instruments governing the work of the Ghana Immigration Service are the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, Immigration Service Act, 1989 (PNDCL 226) now repealed by the passage of Immigration Service Act 2016 (Act 908), the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), Immigration Service Regulation 2001 (L.I 1691), Immigration (Amendment) Act, 2012 (Act 848) the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 1996 (Act 526) and the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Act, 2012 (Act 842). The Service is generally charged with the responsibility of enforcing all the enactments relating to entering, exit, residence and the employment of foreign nationals in Ghana.

GHANA NOTES

Please note: Currently all travelers to Ghana should have a proof of Covid-19 negative test obtained within 72 hours of their flight to Ghana. All passengers will also be tested for Covid-19 upon their arrival to Ghana.

GHANA TOURIST VISA

• Visa is required
• Submit Valid, signed U.S. Passport, must have at least 6 months remaining validity. Passport must contain at least one blank visa page for visa to be issued.
• Fully completed and signed Visa Application Forms For tourist visa application - rush and ultra rush processing - click here
• Two Passport Photographs
• Copy of round trip ticket or itinerary, and hotel reservation
• For Minors 18 years and under: a letter of consent (for issuance of visa) signed by both parents, along with a copy of both parents is required. The signatures on the letter of consent should match the signatures on the parents respective passports, and the names of the parents should be the same as the names on the minor's birth certificate. A copy of the minor's birth certificate is required. In the event that one parent has sole custody of the minor, a copy of the court order is required.

GHANA BUSINESS VISA

• Visa is required
• Submit Valid, signed U.S. Passport, must have at least 6 months remaining validity. Passport must contain at least one blank visa page for visa to be issued.
• Fully completed and signed Visa Application Forms For tourist visa application - rush and ultra rush processing - click here
• Two Passport Photographs
• Copy of round trip ticket or itinerary, and hotel reservation
• For Non-US Citizens: A copy of Green Card or Legal Status in USA must also be submitted
• Copy of Covid-19 and Yellow Fever Vaccination cards are required
• A business letter of responsibility typewritten on your company letterhead and addressed to:

Embassy of Ghana, Visa Section, Washington D.C.
The letter must explain all of the following:
- Nature of business to be performed
- Name and address of reference to be visited
- Guarantee of return transportation and sufficient funds
- Exact duration of stay in Ghana
- Letter should be signed by a company officer other than applicant

PANABIOS IMPLEMENTATION IN GHANA

The High Commision of the Republic of Ghana in New Delhi wishes to inform the general public that with effect from 21st April 2021, the Ministry of Health through the Ghana Health Service is implementing the digitization of Covid-19 test result for ease of verification prior to travel and upon arrival in Ghana. Read more PANABIOS IMPLEMENTATION IN GHANA.

COVID-19 Update (September 1st, 2022) All international passengers including those from the ECOWAS region, intending to fly to Ghana, will be required to be fully vaccinated. All International passengers including those from the ECOWAS region must complete a Port Health Declaration Form at https://www.ghs-hdf.org before embarkation of flight to Ghana.

1. Non-Ghanaians
a. At the point of embarkation must provide evidence of full vaccination status to the Airline prior to embarkation. (Airlines that board non-Ghanaians without evidence of full vaccination will be considered to have violated the Covid-19 guidelines for Ghana and shall be fined $3,500.00)
b. Travelling to Kotoka International Airport (Accra, Ghana) with fake or forged vaccination certificates shall be quarantined and returned to the point of embarkation at their own cost.
c. Complete a Port Health Declaration Form at https://www.ghs-hdf.org before embarkation of flight to Ghana.
“All Arriving passengers will undergo temperature screening, Yellow Fever Card verification and Covid-19 vaccination certificate verification as required”
2. Ghanaians
Upon arrival, Ghanaians and foreign residents entering Ghana shall go through the following processes:
a. All passengers, 18 years and above heading to Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a Covid-19 vaccine at the point of embarkation and upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport (KIA)
b. Fully vaccinated will be exempted from pre-departure Covid-19 PCR testing from point of embarkation
c. Fully vaccinated will be exempted from Covid-19 testing upon arrival at the Airport
d. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will be required to present a NEGATIVE 48hrs PCR test result to the airline before embarkation and upon arrival
e. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will undergo Covid-19 testing at the Airport upon arrival in Ghana
f. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will undergo Covid-19 vaccination at Airport upon arrival in Ghana
3. Exemptions:
a. Children under 18 years (Ghanaian and non-Ghanaians) who are unvaccinated are exempted from pre-departure COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 testing upon arrival at the Airport in Ghana
b. Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival COVID-19 testing and should follow the Airline policy for testing
c. Passengers who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to undergo testing if they do not leave the airport or remain in isolation at their hotel
d. For a medical, religious or other forms of exemption, a formal request must be made through a letter to the Director General of the Ghana Health Service indicating the reason for your exemption and a request for consideration. In that letter kindly copy the Director of Public Health

PLEASE READ THE ENTITLEMENTS TO A GHANAIAN VISA CAREFULLY

ENTRY PERMITS REQUIREMENTS FOR GHANA

All visitors to Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or legal travel documents.
All visitors entering Ghana must have valid entry visas or, in the case of Commonwealth nationals, entry permits issued by a Ghana diplomatic mission or consulate abroad or any other visa issuing authority mandated by the Ghana Government to act on its behalf. (ECOWAS nationals and those of other countries with which the Government of Ghana has specific bilateral agreements, are exempted).
All travelers above nine (9) months coming into or transiting through Ghana are required to have been vaccinated against Malaria/Fever at least Ten (10) days from the proposed date of departure and where already vaccinated, provide evidence/proof (certificate) indicating the duration of a vaccination status of not more than Ten (10) years before entering Ghana.
VISA PROCESS
All visa applications MUST be completed online at www.ghanaembassydc.org.
Procedure/s
On the website, www.ghanaembassydc.org, click on APPLICATIONS, and click on visa application to complete the form.
After completing the visa application, download and print the application. Mail the passport with the printed copy of the visa application, one (1) current passport size photographs and all the required supporting documents to the Embassy. For Children: Parents must complete the child’s visa application form, add the 2 passport size photographs, and the required supporting documents, which are: a Photocopy of the child’s birth certificate; a signed and notarized consent letter by both parents, as well as copies of both parents’ picture IDs.
Your package should be mailed to either one of the following addresses (Regular or Expedited Service)

Passport Photos Login English (en) Home > Ghana > Ghana Tourist Visa Ghana eVisa online application Passport from Bangladesh (BD) A travel document is required. We can assist in processing this document. USD Health Declaration Form Valid for 30 Days Health Declaration Form Single Entry Government Fee No Fee Apply Apply Now Vaccinated flag icon Ghana Open icon Quarantine Not Required icon Covid Test Not Required icon Health Insurance Not Required Valid as of: Oct-25-2022 How to Apply: Tourist Visa Fill out online application Complete our easy online application pay with credit card or PayPal
Fill out online application Consulate appointment We'll set up your meeting at the consulate. Complete in-person interview and drop off your passport
Consulate appointment Pick up passport with visa Pick up passport from embassy. Passport will include visa sticker stamp
Pick up passport with visa Enter destination Present your Passport and the Visa Sticker upon entry to destination country
Enter destination Apply Now Learn More: Tourist Visa Last updated: September 2022
Please note: the Ghana online application for the eVisa is not launched yet. We will update this page as soon as it’s available in the near future!
Ghana is a diverse nation on the edge of West Africa offering a perfect gateway to the continent, thanks to its fast-growing economy and the international community. There are many reasons to visit, and we have good news: soon you’ll be able to apply for the Ghana
eVisa online. The Ghanian government previously issued physical visas, but is planning to introduce an online visa in the near future, called the Ghana eVisa. Once available on iVisa, this electronic travel document enables eligible foreign nationals to visit Ghana for temporary stays for tourism and business purposes.
The electronic visa application only takes a few minutes to complete. Continue reading for more information about the Ghana eVisa.
What is the Ghana eVisa? In order to boost Ghana's tourism sector, the government is implementing an online
application process to obtain a Ghana visa. The benefits of this are that you can apply from the comfort of your own home, the application process will be faster, and you won’t have to worry about standing in long queues at Kotoka International Airport in Accra to enter Ghana.
The implementation of an online visa process means that you won’t have to queue for a visa on arrival anymore when you’ve obtained your visa beforehand, or visit an embassy to apply.
Who is eligible to apply for the online Ghana Tourist Visa? Specific details for the online Ghana eVisa are not yet released, however, it is expected that this information is available by the end of 2022. Depending on your passport nationality, you may be able to enter Ghana visa-free.
Currently, passport holders from the following countries are visa-exempt for Ghana for stays of up to 90 days, including select African nations:
Barbados (60 days) Côte d'Ivoire Guinea-Bissau Liberia Nigeria Sierra Leone Senegal Benin Eswatini Jamaica (60 days) Mali Rwanda Singapore Togo Burkina Faso Gambia Kenya Mauritius (60 days) Senegal Sudan Trinidad and Tobago (60 days) Cape Verde Guinea Lesotho Niger Seychelles Tanzania Uganda Zimbabwe (60 days) Validity of the Ghana eVisa We will update this page as soon as the Ghana government announces the maximum length of stay and number of entries permitted with the Ghana Tourist eVisa.
Please note that this visa is only valid for tourism or business purposes and short stays. Travelers who are looking for a Ghana Visa to work, live, or study in the country, must still apply for an appropriate visa at their local Ghana embassy or consulate.
Ghana Visa requirements for foreign nationals Applicants must meet some specific travel requirements to apply online for the Ghana eVisa. It is expected that you will have to provide the following information and documents:
A copy of your valid passport from an eligible country Personal information such as your name, address, and age Proof of accommodation Proof of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Ghana Email address to receive a confirmation of your approved eVisa Credit or debit card details to pay for the visa fees How to apply online for the Ghana eVisa International travelers can apply online in just a few minutes. The Ghana online application process on iVisa usually includes the following steps:
Step 1: Fill out your basic personal information, such as passport details, name, email address, and other required info. Then, choose your preferred processing time.
Step 2: Review your application and make sure all information is correctly entered. Then, pay for the Ghana online visa fee.
Step 3: Upload all required documents and submit your application.
An eVisa is usually electronically linked to your passport. However, it is always recommended to print a confirmation of your approved visa to show to immigration officers when requested.

Important Immigration Notice

Prospective travellers must note that the possession of the appropriate document (s) does not confer a right of entry. Travellers may be refused entry into Ghana if they fall within the category of prohibited immigrants and if they do not satisfy immigration requirements at the point of entry. The Government of Ghana will not be financially liable for their repatriation.
Other relevant additional information prior to entry into Ghana Immigrant Quota - Persons who enter Ghana ostensibly as visitors may not be permitted to take employment. Indeed, no person shall be permitted to accept employment or undertake an occupation for reward in Ghana unless such employment is within an authorized Immigrant Quota (an immigrant quota being the number of non-Ghanaians that a person or firm can employ).

An approval for Immigrant Quota for a foreign employee must be obtained before he proceeds to Ghana. Investors Investors to Ghana must register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Application for the extension of visa or automatic quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the GIPC confirming the status of the Investor.