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Caution:  

• All applicants must fill out a new Form DS-160 for every new application for U.S. visa. All previous submitted forms DS-160 cannot be used for a new visa interview.   
• Using barcode number from Form DS-160 that is not submitted to schedule interview appointment will result in appointment cancellation.  
• The  barcode number on the DS-160 Confirmation page that visa applicants bring on their interview dates must be exactly the same one used to schedule the appointment. Failure to present the DS-160 Confirmation page with the same barcode number that you used for scheduling your appointment will result in cancellation of your visa interview appointment.

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Citizens of qualified countries may be also able to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program . If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must schedule an appointment for that interview, either online using this website or through the call center .

Out-of-District Applicants:

You may apply for a nonimmigrant visa in any country where you are present; you do not need to be a citizen or resident. However, no matter where you apply you must demonstrate that you meet all requirements specific to the visa you are trying to obtain, including demonstrating sufficient ties outside of the United States.

Please be aware that:

You must pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee in the country where you apply.

You may not be able to bring an interpreter if you do not speak English or the local language where you are applying.

If your visa class requires the submission of documents, you may be asked to provide certified translations into English or the local language.

There is no guarantee that a visa will be issued. If refused, there is no refund of the application fee.

Following your visa appointment, your application will be either issued or refused. If you do not establish eligibility for a visa, the consular officer may determine that the applicant should undergo further administrative processing to help establish your eligibility. There is no guarantee of the length of time it will take to complete that processing and return your passport.

Once submitted, the nonimmigrant visa application and the application fee cannot be transferred to another embassy or consulate.

Many embassies and consulates prioritize appointments for citizens and legal residents of the country in which they are located. There may be a longer appointment wait time for non-residents.

To schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, you must have the following information and documents available:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application;
• Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt;
• Your DS-160 confirmation page;
• Your e-mail address; and
• If applicable, required documents based on visa class (such as a petition approval for petition-based visas; more information about visa types and information about each can be found here ).

Applicants may cancel their appointment up to three (3) times using the same visa application fee. If an applicant needs to cancel their appointment more than three (3) times, the applicant will be required to pay a new visa application fee.

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Visa Rules & Required Documents for Traveling to Ghana: What You Need to Know

Traveling to ghana requires knowledge of visa rules and necessary documents. familiarize yourself with these regulations to avoid any inconvenience during your journey..

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the visa rules for traveling to Ghana is crucial for a smooth trip; most travelers will require a visa.
• Ghana offers different types of visas for tourists, business travelers, and those in transit.
• To apply for a Ghanaian visa, you’ll need a valid passport, visa application form , proof of travel arrangements, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Understanding Visa Rules for Ghana Travel

Traveling to Ghana is an exciting endeavor, whether for tourism or business. However, it’s crucial to understand visa rules and the necessary documents to ensure a smooth trip. By being well-prepared and informed, you can avoid common travel mishaps and focus on enjoying your visit to Ghana.

Do You Need a Visa for Ghana?

Most travelers will require a visa to enter Ghana. Ghanaian visa policy determines whether you need a visa based on your country of citizenship. Generally, only citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries can enter Ghana without a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you’re not from an ECOWAS nation, you’ll likely need to apply for a visa before your trip. Always check the latest visa requirements on the Ghana Immigration Service website or consult with the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate.

Types of Visas for Ghana

There are several types of visas available, depending on the nature of your visit:

• Tourist Visa: Ideal for those visiting Ghana for leisure or to see family and friends.
• Business Visa: For travelers intending to engage in business activities, but not take up employment in Ghana.
• Transit Visa: Necessary for travelers passing through Ghana to another destination.

Your purpose of visit will dictate the type of visa you need to apply for.

Also of Interest:

Visa for morocco: the complete guide, can i reschedule my i-485 interview if i’m traveling abroad, required documents for a ghana visa application.

When applying for a Ghanaian visa, have the following documents readily available:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the date of your departure from Ghana.
• Passport-sized photographs that meet the specified requirements.
• A completed visa application form that you can download from the embassy’s website or obtain in person.
• Proof of travel arrangements such as your flight itinerary, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from your Ghanaian host.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is also a mandatory requirement for entry into Ghana.
• Applicable visa fees , which vary by visa type and duration of stay.

Ensure that all these documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

Applying for a Ghana Visa

Submitting your visa application is the next step. You can generally do this by mail or in person at the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate. Some countries offer online visa applications, so check if this convenience is available for your country.

Allow plenty of time for processing. It’s recommended to apply for your visa several weeks, if not months, in advance, especially during peak travel seasons when processing can take longer.

Important Considerations for Ghana Travel

There are additional factors to consider when traveling to Ghana:

• Keep in mind that visa regulations can change. Stay updated by consulting the Ghana Immigration Service or the embassy’s official resources regularly.
• Upon arrival in Ghana, you may be asked to present proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Some visas may be single-entry or multiple-entry. Be clear on the terms of your visa to avoid overstaying or violating conditions.

“Traveling to a new country should be an enjoyable and enriching experience,” and being informed about the travel requirements ensures that your trip starts on the right foot. Remember to respect the local laws and customs during your visit.

Visiting Ghana requires some pre-planning and awareness of immigration rules. By following the guidelines for visas and having the correct documentation, you’ll be set to experience the vibrant culture, and history Ghana offers. Safe travels, and enjoy your Ghanaian adventure!

And there you have it, my fellow wanderlust techies! Understanding visa rules for Ghana travel is the key to unlocking an incredible experience. Remember to stay up to date with the latest requirements, pack those important documents, and brace yourself for an amazing adventure in Ghana. If you’re hungry for more travel insights, head on over to visaverge.com. Happy travels, my friends!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: Do I need a visa to travel to Ghana?

Most travelers will require a visa to enter Ghana, except for citizens of ECOWAS member countries who can enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you’re not from an ECOWAS nation, you’ll likely need to apply for a visa before your trip. Always check the latest visa requirements on the Ghana Immigration Service website or consult with the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate.

FAQ 2: What are the different types of visas for Ghana?

There are several types of visas available for Ghana, depending on the purpose of your visit. The main visa types include the Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and Transit Visa. The Tourist Visa is ideal for leisure or visiting family and friends, while the Business Visa is for engaging in business activities. The Transit Visa is necessary if you’re passing through Ghana to another destination. Make sure to apply for the appropriate visa based on the nature of your visit.

FAQ 3: What documents are required for a Ghana visa application?

When applying for a Ghanaian visa, you will need the following documents: a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your departure date from Ghana, passport-sized photographs that meet the specified requirements, a completed visa application form, proof of travel arrangements (e.g., flight itinerary or hotel reservations), a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, and the applicable visa fees. Ensure all your documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: Citizens of ECOWAS member countries can enter Ghana without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
• What are the three types of visas available for travel to Ghana?
• What is the minimum validity period required for a passport when applying for a Ghanaian visa?

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GHANA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All persons entering Ghana must have a valid passport or Travel Document establishing the identity of the holder.

THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF PERSONS ARE EXEMPT FROM ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS TO GHANA:

Citizens from the below-listed ECOWAS Member States Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Côte d’Ivoire The Gambia, Guinea Bissau Guinea, Guinea-Bissau Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Togo

HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OR OFFICIAL PASSPORTS OF THE COUNTRIES LISTED BELOW:

Brazil, Cuba, Germany, *Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China Iran, Namibia, Egypt NB: Exemptions category B above shall be for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days from the date of entry.

All nationals of the following countries: Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Singapore South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Zimbabwe **Children with ordinary passports accompanying holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports accredited to Ghana or South Africa are exempt from entry visa requirements.

LIST OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WITH WHICH GHANA HAS CONCLUDED VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENTS

Holders of passports of Regional Economic Communities in Africa and the African Economic Community, United Nations and its Specialized Agencies: The World Bank African Development Bank AIR-SIDE TRANSIT All persons in direct air side transit are exempt from visa requirements.

The following category of persons may not be granted entry visas: Prohibited immigrants A person without visible means of support An undesirable person On the advice of the health authorities, an individual may be refused entry into Ghana

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION NOTICE

Individuals intending to travel to Ghana must note that;

The possession of the appropriate documents does not confer a right of entry; Travelers may be refused entry into Ghana if they fall within the category of prohibited immigrants and; If they do not satisfy immigration requirements at the point of entry. The Government of Ghana will not be financially liable for their repatriation.

OTHER RELEVANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEFORE ENTRY INTO GHANA

Immigrant Quota – Persons who enter Ghana ostensibly as visitors may not be permitted to take employment. No person shall be permitted to accept employment or undertake an occupation for reward in Ghana unless such employment is within an authorized Immigrant Quota (an immigrant quota being the number of non-Ghanaians that a person or firm can employ). An application for Immigrant Quota must be made to:

THE SECRETARY IMMIGRANT QUOTA COMMITTEE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR P.O. BOX M. 42 ACCRA, GHANA

An approval for an Immigrant Quota for a foreign employee must be obtained before proceeding to Ghana.

Prospective Investors must register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Application for the extension of visa or automatic quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the GIPC confirming the status of the Investor.

Investors interested in the Mining Sector must register with the Minerals Commission an approved Mining Services Company. Application for the extension of visa or Immigrant Quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the Minerals Commission confirming status.

PROFESSIONALS

It is an offence for foreign doctors, dentists, lawyers, pharmacists and other specific professionals to practice their profession in Ghana unless they register in accordance with the ordinances of their respective professions.

All professionals wishing to enter Ghana to practice one of the above-mentioned professions are required to provide particulars of their qualifications to help determine their eligibility for registration.

Foreign professionals such as doctor, lawyers, and pharmacists among others must be registered in accordance with the laws of their respective professions to practice in Ghana.

Professionals wishing to practice in Ghana are required to provide documentation of their qualifications to help determine registration eligibility.

>> CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Visa requirements for Ghana

Apr 6, 2023 • 3 min read

Check if you're one of the tourists that will need a visa before you travel to Ghana © Gerhard Pettersson / Shutterstock

Before you head to Ghana to dive into the calming waters lapping Labadi Beach and shamelessly stuff your face with jollof rice (one of this West African country’s staple dishes), just one thing stands in your way – getting a tourist visa.

Depending on your nationality, applying for a visa to Ghana can be a tedious process, but it’s a necessary step to enter the country. The rules vary from country to country, so it's a good idea to check the latest requirements with your local Ghanaian embassy or consulate or the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) .

Here’s everything you need to know about the visa requirements for traveling to Ghana.

Some nationalities can travel to Ghana visa-free

Nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – which includes most of Ghana's close neighbors – can visit Ghana without a visa for 90 days. Citizens from Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mauritius can also visit without a visa for 60 days. 

African Union citizens can apply for a visa on arrival in Ghana

Citizens of countries in the African Union that are not part of ECOWAS – a long list that includes South Africa and countries in North Africa – can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days after paying the required fee, usually US$150. A full list of member countries can be found on the African Union website . 

Everyone else needs to apply for a visa in advance of their trip to Ghana

Other visitors must apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Ghana. To apply, you'll need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of a yellow fever vaccination (required for all visitors), a copy of your return ticket or travel itinerary, an invitation or reference letter (which can be from your accommodation in Ghana), and some passport photographs taken not more than three months before the date of the submission.

Visa requirements vary from embassy to embassy, so check with your local office for the exact requirements where you live. The visa cost varies depending on your nationality, but it is typically around US$60 for a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, and US$100 for a multiple-entry visa valid for six months. First-time visitors usually opt for a single-entry visa, but the multiple-entry visa is best if you are visiting Ghana along with other countries in the region, to avoid having to go through the visa application process again.

You can extend a tourist visa once you’re in Ghana

Visitors can extend their stay in Ghana by visiting one of the local immigration offices; there are offices throughout the country, including in Takoradi, Paga, Koforidua and Cape Coast . It is best to physically visit one of these offices when you are approaching the end date of your visa, as it can be hard to get reliable information by phone or online.

The current requirements for extending a visa can be found on the Ghana Immigration Service website – you'll need to complete the proper forms and provide two current passport-sized photographs, a letter stating your reason for an extension request if staying for more than three months, a valid airline return ticket and a valid passport, and there's a fee.

Working holiday visas are not offered in Ghana

Visitors wishing to work in Ghana must obtain a job offer from a local company and go through the complicated paperwork required by the Ghana Immigration Service to obtain a work permit. The GIS website details the application requirements , but note that work permits are usually only granted for people with specific skills that are hard to find in Ghana.

This article was first published May 5, 2022 and updated Apr 6, 2023.

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Ghana Tourist Visa New York

US Citizens: Get your Ghana Tourist visa with the TDS New York Office

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Document Requirements

These requirements are applicable for US Citizens applying for a Ghanaian Tourist visa in New York

Please send TDS your current valid and signed passport. It must not expire within 6 months and must have at least one blank visa page. Foreign Embassies cannot issue a visa on a page not labeled as a Visa page. Amendment and Endorsement pages in the back of the passport cannot be used for issuance of a visa. A visa cannot be stamped on a page even if only one Small Stamp is on the visa page. If you do not have any blank visa pages in your passport, TDS can assist you in applying for additional pages . If your passport expires within 6 months, you must renew your passport and then we will secure your visa with the new passport.

Please send 2 recent professional passport-type photographs. Digital and non-passport photographs are not acceptable. Passport Photo Guide - Click Here

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Proof of Departure

Please send a copy of your round trip airline tickets, or itinerary or e-ticket, or letter of confirmation from a travel agent. The itinerary must show the applicant's name, date of arrival and departure from the country, and flight information. The Embassy does not recommend purchasing your ticket prior to a visa being issued.

Invitation Letter

Invitation letter from their hosts/hostesses in Ghana including full Residential address and telephone number OR Attestation from Hotel duly signed by an accredited staff, confirming their reservation (Note: We do not accept unsigned email communication). Ghanaian host/hostess must provide proof of residency in Ghana, Citizens of Ghana may provide a copy of their Passports Vitals Page and Non Ghana Citizens please provide a copy of Invitors Passport Vitals Page and proof of their Ghana Residency.

Additional Documents

All applicants are required to attach a photocopy of the bio-data page of their passports to completed forms.

Minors and children under the age of 18 traveling to Ghana need written parental authorization including copies of parent’s passports and Residence Permit along with their original Birth Certificate.

Covid-19 Protocols

Vaccinations.

Vaccinations - International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever required.

Application Form

Ghana Visa Application Form

Please Complete and Sign the Online Application Form, once you have completed and signed the application form please print the application and include it with the rest of the required documents to send back to Travel Document Systems, please DO NOT use the Washington DC application form as this will lead to delays in processing your application.

When completing the application form you will be required to upload several documents as part of the process (Recent Color Photo, Passport Details Page, Confirmation of Place of Stay and Yellow Fever Certificate) You will be asked to confirm the amount and method of payment of your consular fees associated with your application so please carefully select the amount that corresponds to the processing time you are requesting, e.g. $90 for normal processing, and "Money Order" and please note that you are not being asked to actually pay these fees separately at the time you complete your application online rather simply to specify the amount and method of payment to be made on your behalf by TDS at the time your application is physically submitted for processing.

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Helpful Information

The single entry Ghana tourist visa is usually valid for three months from date issued, for a stay not to exceed 30 days. Multiple entry visa is usually valid for 1-3 years. Passport must have at least six months remaining validity and contain at least one blank visa page for visa to be issued. TDS can assist with obtaining U.S Passports , whether new issue, renewal, or obtaining additional visa pages for a valid passport.

The Embassy of Ghana is closed on Fridays and does not accept or process visa applications on Fridays. Please do not include Friday as a processing day.

Shipping Instructions

Local Phone Number: 212-647-1122

Urgent applications for a Ghanaian Tourist visa should be shipped to TDS using only the FedEx Company.

Please use FedEx Priority Overnight. Do NOT ship "First Overnight." This will delay the delivery of your package.

Return Shipping Fees

Once your order is complete, your Passport with the visa sticker/stamp will be returned to you via FedEx Overnight.

STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

By connecting on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, the US State Department will be able to assist you better in the case of an emergency, such as if you lose your passport or it is stolen while you are abroad.

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Consular Fees, Entry, and Validity Options

These are the fees charged by the foreign government for issuing a visa. Fees are per person per visa.

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Note: Please check the individual embassy or consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. embassy or consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

* Wait times are generally the MAXIMUM amount of time you will have to wait to get an appointment.  Appointments are continuously being added and you will likely be given an opportunity to move your appointment up as new appointments are opened.

† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.      

‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

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