Visa on Arrival in Ghana – Complete 2025 Guide (Requirements, Process, Cost, Tips)

Why This Guide Matters in 2025 And Beyond

If you’ve been dreaming about coming to Ghana maybe to soak in our festivals, explore our beaches, or close a business deal the first thing you’ll run into is the visa question. And honestly? It’s the one thing that trips up even the most seasoned travelers.

I live here in Ghana, and I work with visitors almost every week. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “I wish someone had told me this before I booked my ticket” moments. The internet is full of outdated advice and conflicting details, and what worked for someone in 2019 might get you turned away at the airport in 2025.

This guide is here to cut through the noise. You’ll get the real, current process, step-by-step, plus tips you won’t find on generic travel sites all based on local knowledge and direct experience helping travelers get in and out of Ghana smoothly. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect, what to prepare, and how to avoid unnecessary delays so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival in Ghana?

Ordinarily, travelers are expected to apply for a Ghana visa before leaving their home country. However, in certain cases, the Visa on Arrival (VoA) option is available but only by prior arrangement with Ghana Immigration Service. You cannot simply request it at the airport without pre-approval.

When Is Visa On Arrival commonly approved

Visa on Arrival is typically granted in a few specific situations:

• Emergency business travel
  When a company or host in Ghana needs you here urgently (meetings, contracts, urgent negotiations). Your Ghanaian sponsor must apply for clearance on your behalf.
• Short-notice tourism or event invitations
  If you’re invited to an event, festival, or group tour at short notice and cannot get a pre-departure visa, a local tour operator or event host can request a VoA approval for you.
• Travelers from countries without a Ghanaian embassy/consulate
  When it’s impractical to apply abroad because there’s no nearest Ghanaian diplomatic post, Ghana Immigration may permit VoA via prior clearance.
• Special delegations / official visits
  Conference participants, government delegations, or people travelling on official business may be granted VoA after host application.

Important clarifications

• VoA ≠ visa-free. It’s discretionary and requires advance approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
• Someone in Ghana must apply for you (a host, tour operator, or company). You cannot reliably obtain VoA by showing up and asking at the counter.
• You’ll need an approval letter to present on arrival carry a printed copy and the contact details of the person who applied for you.

Local tip from experience

I arrange this for visitors regularly: if you think you might need VoA, start the request at least 7 business days before travel and work with a registered Ghanaian host or operator. That avoids the usual stress and saves you from airport surprises.

Official Requirements: Ghana Immigration Service Visa on Arrival

To obtain a Visa on Arrival (Emergency Entry Visa) for Ghana, your host or sponsor in Ghana must submit an application before you travel – this cannot be done at the airport.

Here’s what your Ghanaian host or tour operator needs to prepare and submit:

a. Mandatory Application Letter (to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Accra)

The letter must clearly state:

• Your country of origin
• Arrival date and length of stay
• Purpose of visit (e.g., business, tourism)
• Travel itinerary (high-level outline is fine)
• Place of lodging in Ghana (hotel or host details)
  

b. Required Supporting Documents

If it’s a business trip, include:

1. Certificate to commence business
2. Certificate of incorporation
3. Company code
4. Tax clearance certificate
5. Host’s passport bio-data page
6. Visitor’s passport bio-data page

If it’s for personal reasons (tourism, short visits), include:

1. Recent bank statement (proof of funds)
2. Host’s passport bio-data page
3. Visitor’s passport bio-data page
4. Flight itinerary (arrival and departure)
5. Hotel reservation or guest accommodation details
   

How It Works

Once your host submits these documents, Ghana Immigration Service will process the application. If approved, you’ll receive an approval letter this is not your visa, but it’s your ticket to get one upon arrival. You must bring a printed copy of that letter when you arrive in Ghana.

Note: There is currently no online application for Ghana’s Visa on Arrival as at the time i was writng this article. The process must be initiated in Ghana, by a local host or tour operator submitting your documents to Ghana Immigration Service on your behalf

Local Tip: Navigating the Maze

Because everything happens on the ground and paperwork must be processed locally, it can get confusing especially if you’re coordinating from afar. That’s totally normal.

If you find yourself stuck or unsure, reach out to one of our tour planners and they will gladly assist you for free . Most tour operators will not do it for free unless you have bookings with them its our way of helping you get here without stress.

How the Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Getting a Visa on Arrival (also known as an Emergency Entry Visa) for Ghana isn’t about standing in line at the airport it’s a must-do-ahead-of-time sequence that guarantees a smoother arrival. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Your Ghanaian Host Applies

Your host, tour operator, or company in Ghana prepares the application and supporting documents and submits them to the Comptroller-General of Ghana Immigration Service in Accra

Step 2: Await Immigration Approval

Immigration reviews the application. If approved, you’ll receive a formal Approval Letter but this takes time, so it’s best to start the process at least 7 working days before travel.

Step 3: Print and Bring Your Approval Letter

Carry a printed copy of the Approval Letter with you when you travel to Ghana—this is critical for your entry

Step 4: Arrive at the Airport with Documentation

At Kotoka International Airport (or any approved entry point), present the following:

• Approval Letter
• Passport (with minimum 6-month validity)
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Card
• Photo ID
• USD in cash to pay visa fees ({$150 for single-entry})

Step 5: Immigration Processes Your Visa

Immigration verifies your documents, stamps your passport, and voilà you receive the Visa sticker marked for your stay duration.

Local Tip

As someone who arranges this process regularly always check with your host that everything is in order a week before the flight. A small gap in documentation can mean long delays or refusal at the airport.

Costs Of Visa On Arrival (2025 Updated)

Understanding how much a Visa on Arrival (VoA) will cost is crucial for budgeting your trip. Here’s the latest, accurate breakdown:

Official VoA Fee

According to the Ghana Immigration Service, the Visa on Arrival (Emergency Entry Visa) costs $200 per person, regardless of age, for single-entry and is valid for 30 days.

What Influences the Fee

• This fee covers the approval process and the visa stamp issued upon arrival.
• There are no known surcharges or hidden extras but always double-check with your host to ensure the correct amount is paid.

How It Compares

Unlike application-type visas, the VoA fee is uniform and controlled by immigration authorities directly.

The $200 fee is notably higher than the standard single-entry visa you’d pay at a Ghanaian embassy (often around $60–$100, depending on your country). This reflects the expedited and local processing nature of VoA.

Processing Time And Urgent Cases

Knowing how long the Visa on Arrival (Emergency Entry Visa) takes the right way can make all the difference.

Standard Processing (Prior Approval)

According to the Ghana Immigration Service, once your host submits your Emergency Entry Visa application, it typically takes a minimum of 5 working days to process. That timeframe comes directly from GIS documentation detailing the standard timeline for VoA approvals.

Urgent or Rush Requests

If your trip is urgent, the process can be expedited but this depends entirely on your host’s ability to request fast approval. While GIS maintains the 5-day minimum, some local service providers report quicker turnaround times when fast-tracking is involved.

At the Airport: Visa Issuance Time

Once you present your approval letter at Kotoka International Airport, immigration processing typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on arrival traffic and document accuracy. This is based on real-time reports from travelers and local service providers.

Smart Traveler Tip

Start the approval process at least 7 business days before your flight. If your host can request rush processing and you’re traveling during a busy season, aim to initiate the application 10 business days early.

Once you’re at the airport with everything in order? Plan for a quick 15–45 minute immigration stage and you’ll be stepping into Ghana before you know it.

Tips to Avoid Delays at the Airport

Making sure your Visa on Arrival (VoA) process is smooth at Kotoka International Airport comes down to a few smart preparation steps. Here’s what will save you from headaches and stress:

1. Passport Must Be Valid (6 Months and Blank Page)

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and has at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Airlines and immigration officials are strict about this.

2. Arrive with All Required Documents Printed

Present these essential documents printed at immigration:

• Your Visa on Arrival approval letter
• Your passport
• Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Ghana
  

3. Prepare USD Cash for Fees

Make sure you carry the correct amount in US dollars cash. Cards or other currencies may not work in the visa-on-arrival window.

4. Arrive During Off-Peak Hours, If Possible

Try to avoid arrivals during busy times like late nights or early mornings. Busy periods can cause longer queues. During peak hours, even pre-approved travelers can experience delays.

5. Present Documents Neatly and Clearly

When presenting your approval letter and documents, organize them in a clear folder or envelope. This helps the officer process you more quickly—diplomatically, any confusion can delay you.

6. Confirm Contact Info Ahead of Time

Ensure your host’s contact details are included in the approval documentation. If there’s any doubt at the desk, you can quickly reach them for verification.

Local Tip

One of our recent guests arrived during a busy morning and almost missed their entry stamp because their approval letter had smudged printing. We recommend doing a quick print test before travel. If needed, scan the letter yourself or have your host send a fresh copy to reprint.

Beware of Common Myths & Scams

Don’t let the noise online or opportunists ruin your arrival. Here are the most common myths and the real, practical facts:

• 🚫 “You can just show up and pay at the airport.” — False.
  Visa on Arrival requires prior clearance from Ghana Immigration Service. If you show up without an approval letter you risk being delayed or turned away.
• 🚫 “Any travel agent can get it for you.” — Not exactly.
  Only a registered Ghanaian host, licensed tour operator, company, or event organizer can submit the VoA request to Immigration. Ask to see their registration details if you’re unsure.
• 🚫 Fake approval letters exist.
  Scammers sometimes produce forged documents. Protect yourself:
  • Ask your host for the approval reference and the contact details used to submit the application.
  • Request the email from the Ghana Immigration Service that confirms approval, or ask your host to forward the official correspondence.
  • If anything looks off, verify directly with the Ghana Immigration Service before you travel.
• 🚫 “Paying an agent cash in advance is safe.” — Be cautious.
  Avoid paying unknown agents large sums upfront. Use an operator you trust, get receipts, and confirm the payment was recorded by Immigration.
• Quick checklist to stay safe:
  1. Get the approval letter in writing and print a copy.
  2. Confirm the name and registration of the Ghanaian organization that applied.
  3. Have visa fee cash (USD) ready — and confirm the exact amount with your host.
  4. If suspicious, contact GIS or your nearest Ghanaian consulate for verification.

10. Final Word

Getting a Visa on Arrival in Ghana is straightforward when you follow the correct steps: work with a registered Ghanaian host or tour operator, apply early, and bring the right documents.

Do this and your arrival will be smooth — then you can get straight to the good part: enjoying Ghana’s food, music, festivals, and warm hospitality.

Quick final checklist before you fly

• Approval letter printed ✅
• Passport valid 6+ months ✅
• Yellow fever card + return ticket ✅
• USD cash for fees ✅
• Host contact details saved ✅

Need help? If you’re short on time or just want it handled properly, we assist travelers with the VoA process and full trip planning. Try the Go Ghana Planner to build an itinerary, or reach out to LetVisit Ghana Tours and we’ll walk you through the VoA steps so you don’t have to worry about airport surprises.