How to Get a Ghana Tourist Visa: Requirements, Countries, and Process
🕒 Last Updated: October 5, 2025
Table of Contents
What is a Ghana Tourist Visa?
A Ghana Tourist Visa is a short-stay visa for foreign nationals visiting Ghana for tourism, leisure, or to see family/friends.
It does not permit employment or long-term residence. Most non-ECOWAS nationals must obtain a visa before travel.
Who Needs It & Who Is Exempt
- ECOWAS nationals are visa-exempt for short visits.
- Dual Ghanaian citizens entering with a Ghana passport or Dual Citizenship ID generally do not need a visitor visa.
- Some diplomatic/service passport holders are exempt under bilateral arrangements.
- All other foreign nationals should apply in advance at a Ghana embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
Requirements & Eligibility
- Completed Ghana tourist visa application (online or PDF as specified by your mission).
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages.
- Two recent passport photos (white background).
- Proof of travel itinerary / return or onward ticket.
- Hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Ghana (with address & contact).
- Proof of funds (recent bank statements or employer letter).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory).
- For minors: birth certificate plus notarized parental consent and parents’ ID copies.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Locate your mission: Go to your nearest Ghana Embassy/High Commission/Consulate website and access the visa portal or downloadable form.
- Prepare your file: Gather passport, photos, itinerary, funds proof, hotel/invitation, and vaccination card.
- Pay the fee: As instructed by the mission (online or cashier). Keep the receipt.
- Submit: In person or by courier/post (some missions require appointments or mail-in only).
- Processing: Typical timelines range 5–14 business days. Provide any requested clarifications promptly.
- Collect passport: Pickup or tracked return mail/courier once the visa is issued.
Country-by-Country Visa Requirements (Top 20)
Use this quick-reference table to see documents, where to apply, and typical processing times. Always verify details on your mission’s website before filing.
| Country | Required Documents | Where to Apply | Processing Time & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Passport (6+ months), visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, hotel/host invite, proof of funds, yellow fever card. | Ghana Embassy – Washington, DC • Consulate – New York | ~5–10 business days; some missions offer expedited service. |
| United Kingdom | British passport, online form, 2 photos, travel plan, hotel/invite, yellow fever certificate. | Ghana High Commission – London | ~5–7 working days; follow the HCL online workflow and posting instructions. |
| Canada | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, return ticket, hotel/invite, proof of funds, yellow fever card. | High Commission – Ottawa • Consulate – Toronto | ~10 working days; mail-in commonly accepted with self-addressed return envelope. |
| Australia | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds, yellow fever card. | High Commission – Canberra | ~7–10 business days; urgent cases may be accommodated. |
| Germany | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, proof of residence, itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Berlin | ~7–14 working days; submit directly at the Embassy (PAC closed). |
| France | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, travel plan, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Paris | ~5–8 working days; multiple-entry often available. |
| India | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, flight booking, hotel/invite, funds proof, yellow fever card. | High Commission – New Delhi (Visa Portal) | ~7–10 working days; visas typically 30–90 days. |
| Japan | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, funds proof, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Tokyo | ~5–7 business days; appointment may be required. |
| China | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, flight itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Beijing • Consulates: Shanghai / Guangzhou | ~7–10 business days; some posts offer express options. |
| Russia | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Moscow | ~10 business days; rush processing (3–5 days) possible. |
| Italy | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Rome | ~7–10 business days; multi-entry available. |
| South Korea | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Seoul | ~5–7 business days; expedited for official travel. |
| Brazil | Passport, visa form, 2 photos, itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Brasília | ~7–10 business days; business & tourist categories offered. |
| Netherlands | Passport, form, 2 photos, return ticket, accommodation proof, yellow fever card. | Embassy – The Hague | ~6–8 business days; book early (limited appointments). |
| Spain | Passport, form, 2 photos, itinerary, hotel/invite, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Madrid | ~5–7 business days typical. |
| UAE (Dubai) | Passport, form, photos, UAE residence page, itinerary, yellow fever card. | Consulate – Dubai | ~5–7 business days; express 3-day option at times. |
| South Africa | Passport, form, 2 photos, return ticket, accommodation, yellow fever card. | High Commission – Pretoria | ~7 business days typical. |
| Turkey | Passport, form, 2 photos, hotel & travel proof, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Ankara | ~5–7 business days. |
| Saudi Arabia | Passport, form, 2 photos, residence ID, itinerary, yellow fever card. | Embassy – Riyadh | ~7–10 business days; multiple-entry available for business travelers. |
| Singapore | Passport, form, photos, itinerary, proof of funds, yellow fever card. | High Commission – Singapore | ~5–8 working days. |
Processing Time & Fees
Processing is typically 5–14 business days depending on your mission and season. Some posts offer expedited service at additional cost.
Visa fees vary by country and entry type (single vs multi-entry). Check your embassy’s current schedule before applying.
Want local pricing? Use our Currency Converter to see today’s fees in GHS and your home currency. Always verify amounts at your embassy website.
Tips & Common Issues
- Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and two blank pages.
- Bring your yellow fever card—it’s mandatory for entry.
- Names and dates must match across all documents (passport, bookings, invites).
- Some missions are mail-in only; follow the instructions precisely and use trackable courier.
- Peak seasons and public holidays increase processing times—apply early.
- Keep photocopies and digital scans of your submitted documents.
Ghana Tourist Visa FAQs
Is a tourist visa extendable in Ghana?
Yes. Apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service before your visa expires.
Do minors need extra documents?
Yes—birth certificate, parental consent letter, and copies of parents’ IDs/passports.
Are fees refundable if refused?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and not legal advice. Requirements can change. Always confirm current rules and fees with your nearest Ghana mission.
Sources
- Embassy of Ghana – Washington, DC (Visa & Consular)
- Ghana Embassy DC – Forms & Guidance
- Ghana High Commission – London (Visa Application Info)
- Ghana High Commission – Ottawa (Canada) | Mail-in guidance
- Embassy of Ghana – Berlin (Visa Application)
- Embassy of Ghana – Paris
- Ghana High Commission – India (Visa Requirements)
- Embassy of Ghana – The Hague | Embassy of Ghana – Madrid
- Consulate of Ghana – Dubai | Ghana High Commission – Pretoria
- Embassy of Ghana – Ankara | Embassy of Ghana – Riyadh | High Commission – Singapore