If you’re planning a trip to Ghana and can’t secure a visa from a Ghanaian embassy or consulate in time, the Visa on Arrival could be your solution. This visa option is designed for travelers coming to Ghana who face challenges getting a visa through traditional channels. However, there have been important changes to the process, and it’s essential to understand the new rules before you book your ticket.
What Is Ghana’s Visa on Arrival?
Ghana’s Visa on Arrival allows eligible foreign travelers to enter the country without first visiting a Ghanaian embassy. This type of visa is typically valid for 30 days but can be extended after arrival, depending on your circumstances. It’s often used by business travelers, tourists, and guests invited by organizations in Ghana who are arriving on short notice or from countries where Ghana does not have an embassy or consulate.
Critical Change: Pre-Approval Is Now Mandatory
This is very important. You must now get your Visa on Arrival approved before you board your flight to Ghana. The days of applying on the spot at the airport are over. If you arrive without pre-approval, your airline may refuse to let you board, or you could be denied entry when you land in Ghana.
According to the Ghana Immigration Service, pre-approval is a mandatory requirement. Without this confirmation, you won’t be allowed to travel, and processing everything at the airport is no longer an option. To avoid any issues, make sure your visa approval is confirmed before your travel date.
Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
This option is intended for travelers who meet specific conditions. You may be eligible if:
- You’re from a country that doesn’t have a Ghanaian embassy or consulate
- You’re traveling with very little notice and cannot wait for embassy processing
- You’re coming to Ghana for a conference, business meeting, emergency work, or similar activity
- Your visit is supported by an individual or organization in Ghana who can submit the application on your behalf
Note: Travelers from ECOWAS member states may be exempt from visa requirements altogether. It’s important to verify your country’s specific status before applying.
It’s also important to note that the Visa on Arrival is not guaranteed. Ghana Immigration Service has the right to deny entry if requirements are not met or if the traveler is considered ineligible.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply for a Visa on Arrival, you’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
- A return or onward flight ticket to a third country
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- A brief explanation of the purpose of your visit
- A formal request submitted to Ghana Immigration by your host organization
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Must not be classified as a prohibited immigrant
If you’re visiting for business, your invitation letter should be written on official company letterhead and include the company’s contact information, as well as details of your visit. For tourists, a valid hotel booking with your name, stay dates, and address of the accommodation will be required.
The notice submitted to Ghana Immigration Service should include:
- Traveler’s full name
- Photocopy of passport
- Dates of arrival and departure
- Purpose of visit
How the Pre-Approval Process Works
The pre-approval process must be completed at least three business days prior to your intended travel. Here’s what happens:
- Application Submission: You or your host organization (such as Diaspora Affairs Ghana) submits your application to Ghana Immigration Service
- Document Review: Your documents are reviewed and verified for accuracy
- Approval Issued: Once approved, you receive an official pre-approval letter (also known as “OK to Board”)
- Present at Check-In: You must show this approval when checking in for your flight
- Immigration Clearance: Present the approval again when you arrive at Kotoka International Airport
Where and How It’s Processed
Visa on Arrival requests are processed either by the Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters or through Kotoka International Airport in Accra. In most cases, your host organization will handle the submission on your behalf. Once the visa is approved, an official notice will be issued. You must present this approval at check-in before departure and again upon arrival in Ghana.
The service is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT, though it also operates as a 24-hour service for urgent cases.
What It Costs
The cost structure for Ghana’s Visa on Arrival is:
- Pre-approval processing fee: 1,450 GHS (paid to your facilitating organization before travel)
- Final visa fee at the airport: $200 USD (paid at the immigration counter upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport)
For expedited or express emergency visas, the total cost is approximately 3,500 GHS. Note that these fees may vary depending on currency fluctuations, so it’s advisable to confirm the exact amount before applying.
What Happens When You Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
Once your Visa on Arrival pre-approval is confirmed:
- Quick Processing: Head to the visa on arrival counter at immigration
- Document Verification: Present your pre-approval letter, passport, and supporting documents
- Payment: Pay the $200 USD visa fee
- Final Clearance: Receive your visa stamp and enter Ghana
With pre-approval in hand, this process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes. Without pre-approval, you may face significant delays or even be denied entry at the border.
How Diaspora Affairs Ghana Can Help
Navigating Ghana’s visa requirements can be complex, especially when you’re coordinating from abroad. This is where Diaspora Affairs Ghana provides invaluable support.
Our Services Include:
- Host Facilitation: According to Ghana Immigration Service requirements, you need verified, compliant host facilitation. Diaspora Affairs Ghana serves as your certified host sponsor, which is essential for securing approval
- Document Review: They provide a checklist of required documents and verify every submission for accuracy
- Coordination with Immigration: They coordinate directly with immigration authorities to ensure your application is processed smoothly
- Expert Guidance: Their team has extensive experience helping diaspora members and international travelers secure visas
- Fast Processing: They handle your application efficiently, typically within the required timeframe
The reality is that final approval is nearly impossible without proof of a legitimate local sponsor. Many travelers face denied entry because they lack this critical element. Diaspora Affairs Ghana closes this gap by serving as your certified host insurance.
Processing Time
The processing time depends on how complete your documents are and the number of travelers arriving at immigration. When pre-approval is obtained through organizations like Diaspora Affairs Ghana, the process at the airport typically takes 15 to 45 minutes. Without pre-approval, delays are common and entry may be denied.
This is why working with Diaspora Affairs Ghana for pre-arrival visa facilitation is so valuable. They ensure smooth entry and help you avoid the chaos that unprepared travelers often face.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many travelers run into problems with their Visa on Arrival applications. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Waiting until the last minute: Always apply at least three business days before travel
- Incomplete documentation: Missing documents will delay or prevent approval
- Assuming you can apply at the airport: This is no longer possible; pre-approval is mandatory
- Not having a local host: Without verified host facilitation, your application won’t be approved
- Incorrect passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months
- Missing yellow fever certificate: This is a health requirement for entry into Ghana
Diaspora Affairs Ghana ensures every detail is correct, saving you time, money, and stress.
Final Reminders Before You Travel
- Always apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute to request approval.
- Make sure your documents are complete and accurate.
- Carry physical copies of your visa approval, accommodation proof, and any letters of invitation with you during travel.
- Verify that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
- Have your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready.
- Know your return or onward flight details.
- Bring both the pre-approval payment confirmation and $200 USD for the airport fee.
In Summary
Ghana’s Visa on Arrival system offers flexibility for travelers who are unable to access a Ghanaian consulate before their trip. But with the recent requirement for pre-approval, planning is more important than ever.
The process is straightforward when you have the right support. Knowing the steps, having all your documents ready, and working with a trusted facilitator like Diaspora Affairs Ghana will help you avoid delays and enjoy a smooth entry into Ghana.
Whether you’re coming for business, tourism, or to reconnect with your heritage, understanding how the Visa on Arrival works and securing your pre-approval through proper channels will ensure your journey to Ghana starts on the right foot.
