Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Emergency visas may be issued on arrival in Ghana to travellers arriving from countries where there is no Ghanaian diplomatic or consular representation. Such applications must be authorised in advance by the Ghana Immigration Service through a sponsor before arrival in Ghana.

This depends on the purpose of travel. Example;

• Tourist visa: for vacation or casual visits.
• Student visa: for educational purposes.
• Work visa: if employed or contracted by a company.

Use the visa category schedule at Step 1 of the application form for guidance or contact the support team via the live chat during the Mission’s opening hours.

Gratis visas are only available to holders of Diplomatic Passports, Official/Service Passports, and nationals of countries with reciprocal arrangements. Refer to the Visa Application Information page for any country-specific eligibility details.

The visa granted permits entry into Ghana, but the duration of stay is determined by the Ghana Immigration Service officer at your port of entry.

This varies by visa type. Generally, you’ll need your valid passport, copy of passport bio-data page, passport photograph, proof of payment, and other supporting documents such as invitation letter. Additional supporting documents specific to your visa type will be generated when you start the application.

It refers to the funds available to you during your stay in Ghana. You do not need to provide a bank statement unless specifically requested. If you plan to use a debit or credit card while in Ghana, indicate this in your application.

A residence or work permit for your country of residence must be uploaded for non-nationals.

Most visas require at least six (6) months of passport validity from the intended date of travel. Renew your passport before applying if this condition isn’t met.

Standard processing takes a minimum of five (5) business days from the time your application is received at the Mission. The Mission reserves the right to hold applications for longer should further information be required.

If your application has not yet been submitted online with payment, you can amend it. If already submitted, you’ll need to start a new application with the correct category or contact live chat support for assistance.

Child protection and legal custody regulations require that consent letters are presented by parents or legal guardians for children under 18. Letters must be signed by both parents. If one parent is unavailable or ineligible to give consent, select the appropriate reason on the consent form and provide documentary evidence. Applicants should download and use the official consent form made available at Step 2 during the visa application process.

Contact the hotel and request an official email address where they can be reached, whether it’s the email of a department, a section of the hotel, or an individual in a managerial position.

Ensure all mandatory fields (marked with an asterisk) are completed. Error messages in red will appear where corrections are needed to proceed.

Please download, print and sign your visa application form. Postal applications: Submit hard copies of your application with supporting documents, including proof of payment and return postage. Once processing is complete, your passport and documents will be mailed to you. The Mission cannot be held liable for loss of passports sent by post or courier. Counter applications: Submit hard copies of forms and copies of supporting documents in person at the selected Mission/ Consulate on your appointment date and time.

You can track the status of your application by logging into your account dashboard. Status updates are posted there as your application progresses. If it’s been more than 7 business days with no update, contact the live chat support with your application reference for assistance.

• If your application has not yet been submitted online, go back to the relevant step, correct the error, and proceed.
• If it has already been submitted, contact the live chat support with your application reference and a description of the correction needed.

Upload a standard passport-sized photograph taken within the last six months, full face, on a plain background, without dark glasses or hats.

• Do not photograph a printed passport photo.
• A new photo may be taken with a camera or smartphone if it meets the specifications: full-face, clear view of eyes and forehead, white background, no eyewear or headgear (unless for religious reasons).
• If you already have a compliant photo, scan and upload it.

Submitting a non-compliant photo will delay visa processing.

Ensure the photo meets the required format (jpeg/jpg) and size, taken against a white background, showing your full face, forehead, and ears. No eyewear or headgear unless for religious purposes. If issues persist, contact the live chat support.

You can sign digitally and upload it, or sign on a plain sheet and upload a scanned version (JPG/JPEG format).

Visa fees can be paid using the payment options offered by the Mission/ Consulate. Details are provided during the online application process and on the Visa Application Information page.

In line with existing statutory directives, applicants are informed that all Consular fees are non-refundable once paid. This policy also includes payments made for incomplete and/or withdrawn applications.

Click “Forgot Password?” on the login page and follow the email instructions to reset it.

Yes. Reply to the appointment email at least 48 hours in advance to request rescheduling.

Go to the Passport Application section, create an account, and complete the online form.

You will need to:

• Pay the application fee online.
• Book an appointment for your in-person biometric capture.
• Provide a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking.

At your appointment, you must bring:

• Your printed and signed application form.
• A valid photo ID (e.g. passport, residence permit, or driver’s licence).
• A prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking.

You will also need two guarantors and one professional witness who meet the eligibility criteria. Additional documents may be required for lost, stolen, damaged, or name-change applications. Refer to the Passport Information page for the full list.

The witness must:

• Sign the application form.
• Not be the same person as the Guarantors.
• Have known the applicant for at least 2 years.
• Be a resident in your country of residence and ideally a Ghanaian. (Applicants may use a registered professional in UK/ Ireland should they not be able to provide a witness who is Ghanaian. Please refer to the list of qualified professionals).
• Be a professional in one of the following fields: Armed Forces, Prison Service, Police Service, Civil/Public Service, Registered Medical Practitioner, Solicitor/Barrister, Head of Educational Institution, any other registered recognised professional or Ghana National Association Chairman/ Secretary.
• Be available to be contacted by the Mission if needed.
• Agree to their name and contact information being used for the application.

Guarantors must be at least 18 years old, have known you for at least 2 years, and can be relatives. They may live in Ghana or your country of residence. In some cases, the Mission may prefer guarantors based in the country of residence, but this will be confirmed when you attend your in-person appointment.

Please allow 6 to 8 weeks from the date of biometric capture for processing.

Yes. All applicants, including children, must attend their scheduled appointment in person.

Payment must be made online using a debit or credit card. Cash payments are not accepted at the Mission under any circumstances.

In line with existing statutory directives, applicants are informed that all Consular fees are non-refundable once paid. This policy also includes payments made for incomplete and withdrawn applications.

Ensure your photo meets the required format and size, taken against a white background, showing your full face, forehead, and ears. No eyewear or headgear unless worn for religious reasons. If problems persist, contact live chat support on the Passport Application page.
Note: A picture of the applicant will also be taken at the Mission during the in-person appointment.