The government of Ghana has waived the requirement for pre-arrival visa acquisition for travelers entering the country.
This means that passengers will instead be issued their entry visas upon arrival in Ghana.
The new arrangement is in effect from December 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, as part of the government’s Beyond the Return agenda.
This information was conveyed in a circular by the Ministry of Transport to all airlines operating in the country .
“Following consultation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Tourism Authority, approval has been given for passengers traveling to Ghana to opt for visa-on-arrival, waiving the requirement for prior
authorization .
“Consequently, it would be appreciated if systems are updated to reflect this new arrangement and those responsible for checking-in passengers traveling to Ghana advised not to insist on entry visas prior to their departure .”
Before this arrangement, Citizens of the majority of countries in Africa, as well as some Caribbean territories, can travel to Ghana without a visa or with a visa on arrival, which may be obtained from a border entry checkpoint in the country. However, many other countries also require a visa to be able to travel to Ghana.
While it is generally possible for nationals to Ghana to arrive in Ghana without a visa and apply for a visa on arrival, there is usually a challenge with this arrangement . The issue is that the airlines are reluctant to pick passengers who are not in possession of a valid visa. It is therefore advisable to apply for a visa on arrival pre-approved in Ghana in advance of your visit.
Requirements for Visa on Arrival
- Application letter to the Comptroller General on company letterhead
- Company Documents such as Company Code, Certificate to Commerce Business, Certificate of Incorporation and a current Tax Clearance Certificate
- Bio data page of traveller’s passport
- Bio data page of the passport of the signatory to the application letter
- Arrival and return dates
- Address in Ghana the applicant will be staying
- Purpose of visit to Ghana
