Apply for your Ghana tourist visa through the embassy or e-visa system. Covers application process, required documents, yellow fever vaccination, fees, and tips for entering through Accra's Kotoka airport.
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Visa Types and Eligibility
Apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa
The single-entry tourist visa costs 60 USD and allows a stay of up to 60 days. The multiple-entry visa costs 100 USD and is valid for up to 1 year with stays of 60 days per visit. ECOWAS nationals do not need a visa. All other nationalities require a visa obtained before travel. Ghana does not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities.
Apply through the Ghana e-visa portal or at the nearest embassy
Ghana launched an e-visa system at evisa.fi.gov.gh. The e-visa application costs the standard fee plus a 20 USD processing fee. Processing takes 5-7 business days. Embassy applications take 5-15 business days. The e-visa is approved electronically and linked to your passport. Print the approval for immigration.
Get a mandatory yellow fever vaccination before applying
Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers regardless of origin country. The vaccination must be received at least 10 days before arrival. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) is checked at the visa application stage and again at the airport. Without it, your visa application will be rejected and entry will be denied.
Application Process
Complete the online application form with personal and travel details
The form requires your full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, employer details, travel dates, accommodation in Ghana, and a local contact or hotel name in Ghana. Have all this information ready before starting. The form also asks about previous visits to Ghana and any criminal history.
Upload a passport photo and passport bio page scan
The passport photo must be recent (within 6 months), 35x45 mm equivalent, white background, JPEG format. The passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Upload a clear scan of the bio page in PDF or JPEG format. Both files should be under 2 MB.
Provide a cover letter stating your purpose of visit
Write a brief letter (1 paragraph) explaining why you are visiting Ghana, your planned itinerary, accommodation details, and how you are funding your trip. Address it to the Ghana Immigration Service. The letter does not need to be notarized. A simple typed letter is sufficient.
Submit proof of accommodation and return flight
A hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host in Ghana is required. The invitation letter should include the host's contact details and Ghana address. A confirmed return or onward flight itinerary is required. These documents are uploaded during the online application or submitted with the embassy application.
Pay the visa fee and receive approval within 5-15 business days
E-visa payment is online via credit card. Embassy payment may be by money order, cashier's check, or cash depending on the consulate. The e-visa approval comes via email. Embassy visas are either collected in person or mailed back with your passport. Track your application online using the reference number.
At the Airport
Present your visa, passport, and yellow fever certificate at immigration
Kotoka International Airport in Accra is Ghana's main international gateway. Immigration officers check your visa, passport validity, and yellow fever certificate. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) are collected. Processing takes 10-20 minutes. Have your accommodation address and return flight details accessible.
Declare cash above 10,000 USD equivalent at customs
Declare foreign currency exceeding 10,000 USD equivalent. Ghana prohibits exporting more than 5,000 GHS in local currency. Duty-free allowances include 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol, and personal effects. Customs inspection is generally quick unless you have commercial quantities of goods.
During Your Stay
Extend your visa at the Ghana Immigration Service if needed
Visit the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra (near Independence Avenue) to extend your stay. Extensions cost 50-100 GHS and grant up to 60 additional days. Bring your passport, 2 passport photos, proof of funds, and your return ticket. Apply at least 1 week before your visa expires. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
Register with the nearest district immigration office for stays over 90 days
Foreign nationals staying in Ghana for more than 90 days must register with the local immigration office and obtain a non-citizen identity card. This costs 200-500 GHS depending on the duration. Most tourists on a 60-day visa with a 60-day extension do not reach this threshold.
Practical Tips
Exchange money at forex bureaux for the best rates
The Ghanaian cedi (GHS) is the local currency. As of 2026, 1 USD equals approximately 14-15 GHS. Forex bureaux in Accra and Kumasi offer better rates than banks and significantly better than hotel exchanges. ATMs dispense cedis and are widely available in cities. Carry cash for markets, tro-tros (minibuses), and rural areas.
Get a local SIM card and use mobile money
MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo sell prepaid SIM cards at the airport and phone shops. A SIM with 5-10 GB of data costs 20-50 GHS (1.40-3.50 USD) for 30 days. MTN Mobile Money is widely used for payments throughout Ghana. Registration requires your passport and a Ghana phone number. Mobile money works at market stalls, restaurants, and transport services.
Take antimalarial medication during your stay
Ghana is a high-risk malaria zone year-round. Start antimalarial medication before arriving (timing depends on the medication type). Use insect repellent with DEET, sleep under treated mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves after sunset. Pharmacies in Ghana sell antimalarials, but starting medication before arrival is more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Ghana?
US citizens need a visa for Ghana. Apply through the Ghana e-visa portal at evisa.fi.gov.gh or at the nearest Ghana embassy. The single-entry visa costs 60 USD and allows up to 60 days. Processing takes 5-15 business days. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for the application.
Is yellow fever vaccination required for Ghana?
Yes, Ghana requires yellow fever vaccination for ALL travelers regardless of where they are coming from. This is a strict requirement. The vaccination must be given at least 10 days before arrival. Without the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card), your visa application will be rejected and you will be denied entry at the airport.
How much does it cost to visit Ghana?
Budget travelers spend 150-250 GHS (10-17 USD) per day for budget guesthouses, street food, and tro-tros. Mid-range travelers spend 500-1,000 GHS (35-70 USD) per day for mid-range hotels, restaurant meals, and private transport. Accra is significantly more expensive than other cities. Cape Coast, Kumasi, and the Volta Region offer better value.
What are the main attractions in Ghana?
Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (UNESCO World Heritage slave trading forts), Kakum National Park (rainforest canopy walk), Mole National Park (savanna safari with elephants), Lake Volta (world's largest artificial lake), Ashanti cultural sites around Kumasi, and Accra's Jamestown and Osu neighborhoods. The Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives have boosted heritage tourism from the African diaspora.