Short-stay visas are applicable to most visitors and expats. They concern stays between 2 days and 1 year. You may apply for these visas at an embassy or directly via the Ghana Immigration Service.
It is important to know that ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) citizens may also have to apply for a visa for longer stays in Ghana. Citizens of these countries have the right to enter Ghana without visa for short stays, and can also apply for the right of abode for free.
There are many different types of visa issued by the embassy. The most general and usual ones are business, student, transit and tourist visas.
These visas have common requirements, and also each have additional criteria.
The common requirements are the following:
People entering Ghana for business purposes can apply for this visa. As well as the common requirements listed above, you must provide:
You must also have business references from the company you are working for (including a letter explaining and supporting your application). The company will have to provide several administrative documents (including tax clearance).
This visa is available as a single entry or multiple entry visa and is valid for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or 1 year.
The average waiting time is around 10 working days and this non-quota work permit costs US$500 (€383).
This visa allows foreigners to come to Ghana in order to study in a Ghanaian institution.
Applicants must provide:
The cost of this visa is 50 GH¢ (€20, US$26). ECOWAS citizens must also pay this price, and need to obtain this visa in order to study in Ghana.
This visa does not allow applicants to work or study during their stay. Applicants must be aware this is a limited period visa. In addition, they must ensure they leave Ghana on or before the expiration date stamped on the visa.
Similar to the business visa, applicants can apply for a 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month or 1 year visa. They have the choice between single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
The transit visa is a 2 day (48 hour) visa. The length cannot exceed this amount of time. This visa allows foreigners to spend time in Ghana between their flights, or to transfer to the port and continue on to another destination.
Holders of this visa are not allowed to remain in Ghana longer than specified on the visa. People moving through Ghana or transferring to a different airport or port may have to indicate their route precisely to the authorities in order to be validated.
This visa takes an average of 10 days to issue and the price reaches US$20 (€15). ECOWAS citizens do not need to apply for this visa.