If your Ghanaian passport has expired, you are not alone. Thousands of Ghanaians living in Ghana and abroad renew expired passports every year due to travel plans, dual citizenship processing, residency applications, or simple expiration.
This guide explains how to renew an expired Ghanaian passport, including who qualifies, required documents, fees, timelines, and what to expect during biometric enrollment. It applies whether your passport expired recently or many years ago.
Table of Contents
- Who Can Renew an Expired Ghanaian Passport
- Documents Needed to Renew an Expired Ghanaian Passport
- Step by Step Ghana Passport Renewal Process
- Biometric Enrollment and Interview
- Passport Renewal Fees and Processing Time
- Renewing an Expired Ghanaian Passport Abroad
- Common Problems and How to Avoid Delays
- FAQs
Who Can Renew an Expired Ghanaian Passport
You can renew an expired Ghanaian passport if you are a Ghanaian citizen by birth, registration, or naturalization and previously held a valid Ghana passport.
There is no penalty for an expired passport, even if it expired many years ago. Ghana does not revoke citizenship due to passport expiration.
If your passport was lost, damaged, or stolen, the process is slightly different and requires a police report. This guide focuses strictly on expired passports.
Documents Needed to Renew an Expired Ghanaian Passport
Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Expired Ghanaian passport (original)
- Ghana Card (mandatory for adults)
- Birth certificate or citizenship certificate (if requested)
- Passport application receipt
- Two passport photos (some centers capture photos onsite)
The Ghana Card requirement is strictly enforced for passport renewals. If you do not yet have one, you must obtain it first.
Outbound reference: Ghana Passport Office
Step by Step Ghana Passport Renewal Process
- Start the application online: Visit the official passport portal and select renewal.
- Complete the form: Ensure your name, date of birth, and Ghana Card number match exactly.
- Pay the passport fee: Payments are made online or through approved banks.
- Book an appointment: Choose a Passport Application Center.
- Attend biometric capture: Bring all original documents.
- Collect your passport: Pickup is in person or via courier if selected.
Any mismatch between your Ghana Card and passport record can delay processing, so review entries carefully.
Biometric Enrollment and Interview
During your appointment, officers will:
- Capture fingerprints and facial biometrics
- Verify citizenship records
- Confirm personal details
Most applicants do not face an interview unless there is a name change, data inconsistency, or missing documentation.
In Accra, biometric centers such as Ridge and Premium Passport Offices tend to move faster than regional offices.
Passport Renewal Fees and Processing Time
| Service Type | Pages | Estimated Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Renewal | 32 | Approx. GHS 100 | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Express Renewal | 32 | Approx. GHS 150 to 200 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Premium Service | 48 | Higher tier | Fast track |
Fees may change, so always confirm before payment.
Renewing an Expired Ghanaian Passport Abroad
If you live outside Ghana, you must renew through a Ghanaian embassy or consulate such as the Ghana Embassy Washington DC.
Requirements generally include:
- Expired passport
- Ghana Card
- Proof of residency
- Consular processing fees
Processing abroad typically takes longer than in Ghana.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Delays
- Name mismatch between Ghana Card and passport
- Incomplete forms
- Unpaid or misapplied fees
- Missed biometric appointments
Double checking details before submission saves weeks of delay.
FAQs
Can I travel with an expired Ghanaian passport?
No. Airlines and immigration will not accept an expired passport.
How long can a Ghanaian passport be expired?
There is no expiration limit. Renewal is always possible.
Do children need a Ghana Card?
Minors currently use birth registration records instead.
