Ghana entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana. Pay the fee at the airport and receive a 30-day stay. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the visa fee (single entry, valid for 30 days). You'll fill out a short form at the visa counter before immigration — the whole process takes about 15 minutes.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Ghana. The immigration officer at Kotoka checks this strictly — I've seen people turned away for having 5 months left. No blank pages requirement, but having at least one free page helps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | The airline at check-in and Ghana Immigration at the border will ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they won't let you through without it. A bus ticket to a neighboring country also works if you're overlanding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Immigration officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a visa pre-arranged. A hotel booking confirmation or a letter from a host in Ghana works. I'd keep a printed copy in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Credit cards are accepted in Accra but cash is king at the border. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Ghanaian cedis. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring small denominations.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control lines.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (if provided on the plane), and cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked for your return ticket or accommodation proof.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any restricted items. You're free to enter Ghana.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Apply at Ghanaian embassy/consulate before travel. Requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Suitable for frequent travellers.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study program
~150 USD (application fee)
For international students enrolled at a recognized Ghanaian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Offers residency and business benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival. Valid for single entry. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. No maximum cap specified. | 20 USD per day (20 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Ghana
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water practices.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Accra
Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters
P.O. Box CT 1051, Cantonments, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Ashanti Regional Office
Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in central Ghana.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAccra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyGhanaian cedi (GHS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 11.71 GHS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically between $100 and $150 USD. Pay in US dollars or Ghanaian cedis. Exact amount may change, so bring a little extra. Cards are not accepted.
You get 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra before your 30 days expire.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra. The cost and processing time vary — expect a few days. Start the process early.
Yes, Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — you may be asked at immigration.
Visa on arrival is available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. At land borders, you may need to arrange a visa in advance. Check with the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate before traveling overland.
No. Only cash is accepted — US dollars or Ghanaian cedis. Have the exact amount in small bills to avoid issues.
Overstaying can result in a fine and possible detention. If you need more time, apply for an extension before your 30 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.