In Africa, when it comes to tourist destinations for American visitors, Ghana is simply one of the best (if not the best). No two ways about that. Apparently, “Where there is peace, there is a way!”
That said, all potential visitors to Ghana must subject themselves to the immigration laws of this reputable west African country.
What is Ghana’s Visa Requirements for US Citizens?As part of the Ghana visa requirements, US tourists coming to Ghana must have their valid passports and visas. Single-entry visas valid for 90 days attract visa fees of $60, $150, and $100 — depending on the visa type.
Knowing the Ghana visa requirements for US citizens will serve you right. They’ll take you closer to your Ghanaian dreams than ever before.
The US-Ghana diplomatic relationship keeps opening doors for the citizens. If this positive trend continues, the two countries will only get stronger.
Table of Contents
- Ghana Visa Requirements for American Citizens
- Business Visa
- Ghana Tourist Visa Requirements for US Citizens
- Do I Need a Visa for Ghana?
- How to bring someone from Ghana to the USA
- Ghana “Visa on Arrival” US Citizen
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Ghana?
- How long does it take to get a visa to Ghana?
- Do US citizens need a visa for Ghana?
- How much is a visa to Ghana?
- Conclusion:
- Congratulations for trying hard to get a Ghana visa. But be reminded that Ghana reserves absolute rights to decline you a visa if you don’t meet the requirements.
Ghana Visa Requirements for American Citizens
Ghana Immigration Service issues different kinds of visas for Americans. Here are the requirements for tourist visas and business visas to Ghana.
Business Visa
- Passport
Ghana laws require US visitors to have their signed passports. In addition to that, the passports must have the following:
- The validity period of 6 months or above.
- At least a blank page for visa stamp
- Good shape. Ghana doesn’t tolerate torn, frayed or physically-distorted visas
- Photographs
As an American citizen, your two-color passport-size photo should satisfy the criteria below:
- Not more than 3-months-old
- Be on a white background
- Size is 2X2 inches
- Full natural face; no smiling or wearing of glasses
- Business Cover Letter
You’re supposed to carry the US company’s cover letter. The letterhead must prove your United States’ mailing address.
- Invitation Letter
You’re required to attach an official letter from the company that’s inviting you to Ghana. This letter should meet the requirements below:
- Specify the details of the business trip. Is it about a meeting or a contract negotiation?
- Full address and contact number of the inviting company in Ghana.
- What is the number of entries and validity of your required visa? If you want a single entry visa, you are advised to apply for it early enough, at least 30-days before your intended departure. This visa is valid for 3 months.
- Visa Application Form
American visitors to Ghana have two visa application options to choose from. Whether you want the rush or regular option, your application must:
- Answer all the necessary questions
- Carry your name as is written on your passport.
- Have a signature
- Be in typed format
- Travel Arrangement Proof
US citizens have to show proof of arrangements for the trip. For instance, round trip tickets and departure dates.
Ghana Tourist Visa Requirements for US Citizens
As shown above, you will still need your valid passport, photographs, visa application form and proof of your trip arrangements.
If you’re a child aged below 18 years (a minor), you are required to:
- Show your birth certificate
- Produce copies of your parents’ national ID cards or passports
- Show a letter of consent (agreement) from your parents
- Let your parents endorse your visa application form.
NB: There are 2 more important things to note as a US visitor to Ghana.
- Be sure that you have enough funds to support your stay in Ghana. You should have a minimum of $5000 USD before your entry to Ghana. The same amount equally applies during your exit.
- A yellow fever vaccination card is also a must. The risks of yellow fever transmissions are high in Ghana, so follow the rules.
Do I Need a Visa for Ghana?
If you’re an American, it’s yes. You need a visa for Ghana because the United States of America and Ghana haven’t signed a visa-waiver agreement. For the same reason, Ghanaians can’t enter the United States without visas.
However, citizens from other visa-exempt countries (mostly members of the ECOWAS) can enter Ghana without visas. I hope that makes sense to you.
How to bring someone from Ghana to the USA
You can bring someone (e.g your fiance or relative) from Ghana to the USA by writing the person an invitation letter.
This would serve as an official document to convince the US immigration officers to grant your visitor a fiance visa in the USA, or something like that — just for a short stay.
Before a US sponsor can invite a Ghanaian to the United States, the sponsor must be a lawful US citizen.
Ghana “Visa on Arrival” US Citizen
I don’t want to assume that you already know the meaning of the visa on arrival.
To hit the nail on the head, visas on arrival are issued in the country of destination, following the arrival of the visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Ghana?
Unfortunately, no! I must be frank with you. As of March 2020, Ghana visas on arrival aren’t available to US citizens.
Do you really want to know why US citizens cannot get visas on arrival in Ghana?
Well, so far it looks like America doesn’t give visas on arrival to all Ghanaian travelers. This could help explain why Americans need to get their Ghanaian visas beforehand.
As the saying goes, one good turn always deserves another; likewise one bad turn. If it’s not a matter of tit for tat, then it could be that the two countries both respect each other’s sovereign principles.
Even though Ghana visa on arrival for US citizens is scarce to get, the possibility is not completely ruled out. For instance, in 2019, many American visitors to Ghana were able to get visas on arrival.
Dubbed the Year of Return, it was President Akufo Addo’s administration who launched this flagship program.
This allowed African-Americans in the diaspora to come and experience Ghana — 400 years after the arrival of the first black slaves in Virginia, US.
It’s also possible for US citizens to secure Ghana visas on arrival when prior notice is given to Ghana Immigration authorities.
How long does it take to get a visa to Ghana?
It normally takes about 10—14 working days for you to get a visa to Ghana. However, the visa processing times also depend on the type of visa you’re applying for.
If you’re an American citizen who wants to expedite your visa acquisition process, go with the rush visa option. Shorter processing time means you’ll pay more for it than the regular visa.
Do US citizens need a visa for Ghana?
America isn’t visa-exempt to Ghana. So automatically, all US citizens are required to get visas before they can enter Ghana. Only citizens from Ghana visa-free countries don’t need visas to enter Ghana.
American visitors are always welcome to Ghana. But they must possess the right travel documents in order to smoothen their tourist or business visa applications.
US citizens can get the Ghana visa application form New York by visiting the
Ghana Consulate at New York.
How much is a visa to Ghana?
For Americans, the US visa fee to Ghana usually costs around $160—$250. This price range depends on the visa types and the length of your stay in Ghana.
Visa fees are not fixed; they can change at any moment in time when necessary
Conclusion:
Congratulations for trying hard to get a Ghana visa. But be reminded that Ghana reserves absolute rights to decline you a visa if you don’t meet the requirements.
For further Ghana visa information, visit the US Embassy Ghana.
Also Read:
Invitation Letter for a Friend to Visit USA with Samples!
Do I Need a Visa for Ghana? Requirements and Even More!
Ghana Visa on Arrival: Do You Have What It Takes For a Visa?
How Much is US Visa Fee in Ghana Cedis? A Non-Ghanaian Guide!
FAQs
Do US passport holders need a visa for Ghana? ›
A visa is required for entry to Ghana for all American citizens. The Ghanan government can change visa requirements at any time. It is best to use a travel documents service to make sure everything is prepared for your trip. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required as part of the entry process.
What documents do I need for a Ghana visa? ›- Passport. Have at least two consecutive blank visa pages.
- Photographs. ...
- Visa Application Form. ...
- Proof of Travel Arrangements. ...
- Hotel Confirmation. ...
- Travisa Order Form.
- Children 18 and Under. ...
- Vaccination Certificate.
- Step 1: Visit Ghana's Website. ...
- Step 2: Select the Purpose of Travel. ...
- Step 3: Provide personal details. ...
- Step 4: Declare your Travel history and Criminal background. ...
- Step 5: Provide Your Address and Occupation. ...
- Step 6: Provide details of your residence in Ghana. ...
- Step 7: Complete the final checklist.
Ghana Consular Fees:
Single Entry Visa (must be used within 3 months from date of issue): $60. Multiple Entry Visa: $100. Single Expedited Visa: $100. Multiple Visa Expedited: $200.
A fee of USD150.
How long does it take to get Ghana visa in USA? ›Please note that upon receipt of the hard copy of a Regular application at the Embassy, it will take 15-20 business to process. The processing period for Expedited applications is 7 business days.
How long can a US citizen stay in Ghana? ›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.
Do you need an invitation letter to visit Ghana? ›The rule states that: 'applicants on a VISIT to Ghana must provide a letter of invitation from their host in Ghana. ' The requirement appears to be an extension of existing conditions that apply to tour groups visiting Ghana.
Can I apply for a visa to Ghana online? ›The eVisa for Ghana is an online visa, expected to be implemented in the near future, which will allow eligible citizens a short stay in the country and eliminate the need to apply for a visa from an embassy or consulate or wait in line for a visa on arrival at border entry checkpoints.
How do I write a letter of invitation for Ghana visa? ›The invitation letter needs to include inviter's names and address, dates of travel, your passport details, your full name, state that the inviter will ensure that the visitor complies fully with immigration laws of Ghana, addressed to the Ghanaian embassy in London and signed.
What are the documents required for visa? ›
KNOW WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED FOR YOUR VISA-Visa Knowledge. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
How long does a Ghana visa take? ›Visa: Standard applications take a minimum of 10-15 working days from the time we receive the hard copies of the appropriate visa forms and the supporting document at Ghana High Commission office in Highgate Hill or the relevant consulate office.
Do I need a visa if I am a US citizen? ›(Note: U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.
How long does it take to get visa after interview? ›If you are found eligible to receive a visa on the day of the interview you should allow approximately 10-15 working days for your application to be processed.
How long does it take to get a visa? ›It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document. The delivery of the visa can take up to two other workdays.
Can you get a visa at Accra airport? ›If requested, participants can obtain emergency visas upon arrival at the International Airport of Accra at the cost of $150. The visa payment can be paid only in US Dollars in cash and in the Ghanaian local currency (Cedi). West African Nationals and UN passport holders are exempt from visas to Ghana.
How long can you stay in Ghana without a visa? ›Who 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.
How can I get visa on arrival? ›- Passport (at least 1 year)
- Passport photocopy.
- Completed visa application form.
- Visa fee (required in foreign currency)
- Hotel reservation.
- Round-trip airfare.
- At least 3 biometric photographs.
- Travel health insurance.
How much bank balance should you have for applying to the US tourist visa? The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
How do I get a visa to travel to Ghana? ›- Passport. ...
- Photographs. ...
- Visa Application Form. ...
- Proof of Travel Arrangements. ...
- Hotel Confirmation. ...
- VisaCentral Order Form. ...
- Children 18 and Under. ...
- Vaccination Certificate.
Is there a Ghana Embassy in the United States? ›
The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C. is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Ghana to the United States. It is located at 3512 International Drive, Northwest, Washington, D.C., in the Cleveland Park neighborhood. It is the flagship of Ghana's public diplomacy in the United States (U.S.).
How can a U.S. citizen help someone get a visa? ›While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Ghana? ›Can a foreigner buy property In Ghana? The answer is “Yes”. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Ghana. However, it is important to consider the aforementioned classification of land in the country, as certain land types cannot be owned privately.
Are U.S. visa appointments Open in Ghana? ›Embassy Information & Emergency American Citizen Services
The U.S. Embassy in Accra has resumed routine American Citizen Services. These services are offered by appointment only. To schedule an appointment for a passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), or notarial service, visit our online scheduling system.
The following fees apply: + Ghanaians and Ecowas Citizens - $50. + All Other Passengers - $150.
Which country is visa free for Ghana? ›Country | Allowed stay |
---|---|
South Africa* | 90 days |
Tanzania | 3 months |
Togo | 90 days |
Trinidad and Tobago | 90 days |
- Write the subject line. ...
- Add your letterhead. ...
- Mention the Sender's Address. ...
- Write the Date. ...
- Mention the Recipient's Address. ...
- Include the Salutation. ...
- Write the Main Body of the Letter. ...
- Include the closing and signature.
Single-entry visa allows only one entry to the country. Once you leave its territory, you have to apply for new visa to be able to return. For most of the trips and holidays, this is enough and if one country offers multiple versions of the visa, the single-entry visa is usually cheaper and faster to obtain.
What happens if you overstay your visa in Ghana? ›Foreign visitors who overstay on a visa are normally declared 'undesirable persons' and may incur a ban from Ghana for a period of time, which prevents them from applying for a visa and re-entering Ghana for a prescribed period of time.
Who can be a witness for Ghana passport? ›A witness can be a Ghanaian in any of the listed professional field to whom the applicant is personally known: A Clergyman. A Solicitor or Barrister. Head of a recognised Educational Institution.
Does a visa invitation letter need to be notarized? ›
Almost always, visa offices require that letters of invitation be notarized by a Notary Public. For your convenience, please find below a free sample letter of invitation you can modify to suit your particular situation. Please note: A letter of invitation does not guarantee issuance of a visa.
Can invitation letter be sent via email? ›Yes, you can send an invitation letter through email.
Once you have that, you can send it off to the official. However, you should always have a hard copy of the invitation letter. Keep this copy in case the officer never received the letter or you sent it to the wrong email address.
My name is [Host's Name], residing at [Host's Address] and I am a United States citizen (or lawful permanent resident alien). I am requesting that you issue a tourist (B-2) visa to [Visitor's Name] who resides at [Visitor's Address]. This is to allow him to visit me in the United States.
Which bank statement is required for visa? ›The bank statement should be printed on the letterhead of the bank and duly signed and stamped by the bank official authorities. The statement must display the bank account number, applicant's address and other details of the applicant for verification purpose.
What questions do they ask for visa interview? ›- What is the purpose of your visit to the US? ...
- Have you been to the US before? ...
- Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US? ...
- Details on your friends / relatives in the US. ...
- Where will you be residing in the United States?
Visit the official visa website of the country of visit. Find the option of tracking the visa application status. Enter the acknowledgement number or passport number and the date of birth. Following that, enter the captcha code and click 'submit'.
How many types of visa are there in Ghana? ›Visas issued in Ghana, on the other hand, include Transit Visas, Emergency Entry Visas, Visas on Arrival and Re-Entry Visas. Applicant's passport photographs should have been taken not more than three months prior to the date of submission.
Is online passport application faster? ›If you need a passport really urgently, the Online Premium service can be even faster than the 1 Week Fast Track! All you will be required to do is book your passport appointment online, and, should your application be successful, you can receive your new passport at the end of the appointment.
Can I go to Ghana without passport? ›All persons entering Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or Travel Document establishing the identity of the holder.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Ghana? ›A visa is required for entry to Ghana for all American citizens. The Ghanan government can change visa requirements at any time. It is best to use a travel documents service to make sure everything is prepared for your trip. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required as part of the entry process.
Can U.S. citizens get visa on arrival in Ghana? ›
Visa on Arrival
Once eligible citizens arrive at a entry point of Ghana they will have to go directly to a border checkpoint to wait in line until an immigration officer hands them a visa on arrival form to complete. This application form must be filled in with personal, passport, and travel information.
The same is true for lawful permanent residents: you generally cannot be denied entry to the United States, but declining to answer questions may result in delay or further inspection.
What happens after visa is approved? ›You will receive your passport from the courier service. Your visa will be affixed inside your passport. Please verify the information contained both on the visa and on the letter stapled of the package to ensure that the information is correct.
What happens after you get your visa? ›After You Get Your Immigrant Visa
Once you get your immigrant visa, you will have to pay a USCIS immigrant fee. You will get a sealed packet of documents to give officials at the U.S. port of entry. You will be admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident and receive your Green Card in the mail.
k.h.p. said: As many, many, many people have asked and answered - passport request means they have approved your application. There is no other reason, at all, to request a passport. However - if you submit your passport and they find it is fake, or that you have lied about travel details, you can still be rejected.
Do travel agents help with visas? ›Travel Agents help you track record
Travel Agents have the requisite connections and know the routes to follow to ensure a successful Visa application. It is not unheard of that some Consulates and Embassies grant Visas based on the reputation of the Travel Agent applying on behalf of a person.
If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies. Visa applicants are also advised by the consular officer if they may apply for a waiver of their ineligibility. Several of the most common reasons for visa ineligibilities are explained below.
Can you just walk into an Embassy? ›No, you can not. Even as a US citizen you are required to make an appointment to visit the consulate for non-emergency services.
Which country is visa free to Ghana? ›Ghanaian citizens have visa-free entry to Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Burkina Faso, and many more.
How long can you stay in Ghana without a visa? ›Who 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.
How many countries have visa free with Ghana? ›
The Ghana passport ranking is 82; the number of visa free destinations accessible with a Ghana passport is 63.
What is needed to travel from Ghana to USA? ›Visitors traveling to the U.S. are required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the U.S. Citizens of the countrieslisted on Six Month Club Update are exempt to the six-month rule and need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay.
Which country gives free visa? ›e-Visa Facility | Visa free Facility | |
---|---|---|
1. | Armenia | Barbados |
2. | Azerbaijan | Bhutan |
3. | Bahrain | Dominica |
4. | Barbados | Grenada |
Nationals of Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau and countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program may visit for up to 30 days without an entry permit.
What happens if you overstay your visa in Ghana? ›Foreign visitors who overstay on a visa are normally declared 'undesirable persons' and may incur a ban from Ghana for a period of time, which prevents them from applying for a visa and re-entering Ghana for a prescribed period of time.
Do you need an invitation letter to visit Ghana? ›The rule states that: 'applicants on a VISIT to Ghana must provide a letter of invitation from their host in Ghana. ' The requirement appears to be an extension of existing conditions that apply to tour groups visiting Ghana.
What are the documents required for visa? ›KNOW WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED FOR YOUR VISA-Visa Knowledge. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
How do I get a visa to travel to Ghana? ›- Passport. ...
- Photographs. ...
- Visa Application Form. ...
- Proof of Travel Arrangements. ...
- Hotel Confirmation. ...
- VisaCentral Order Form. ...
- Children 18 and Under. ...
- Vaccination Certificate.
Most visitors from Ghana can travel to Georgia without restrictions.
Is Ghana visa free to Dubai? ›Is UAE visa required for Ghana citizen? Ghanaian citizens need a visa for travelling to UAE.
Is Dubai a visa free country? ›
UAE visa on arrival
Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30‑day visit visa free of charge.
United flights from Ghana to the United States from US $ 885 *
How much is PCR test in Ghana? ›The following fees apply: + Ghanaians and Ecowas Citizens - $50. + All Other Passengers - $150.
Are US visa appointments Open in Ghana? ›Embassy Information & Emergency American Citizen Services
The U.S. Embassy in Accra has resumed routine American Citizen Services. These services are offered by appointment only. To schedule an appointment for a passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), or notarial service, visit our online scheduling system.