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 traveling 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