Ghana entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghana's airports and land borders. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about $150 USD. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you'll need a few key documents ready before you travel.
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, plus two passport-sized photos. The process takes about 15–30 minutes after landing.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Ghana. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Kotoka will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of Ghana. This can be a return flight to Australia or a ticket to another country. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have your hotel booking or host's address and phone number handy. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a printed confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash or a card to show you can support yourself during your stay. Around $500 USD equivalent is a safe amount to have accessible. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Ghanaian cedis. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Ghana. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival.
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 immigration booths. Queue up, present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the fee in cash (USD or GHS). You'll get a visa sticker in your passport, then proceed to immigration.
2
Complete Immigration Form
You'll be given a landing card on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out with your flight details, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. Keep it with your passport.
3
Passport Control
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker and the completed landing card. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires application at embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost300 USD (300 USD)
Requires sponsor or enrollment letter.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~200 USD (200 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (1,000 USD) plus investment
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (e.g., $100,000). Requires business registration and proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 60 days, pre-arranged)Apply online or at embassy before travel. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 500 USD. | 20 USD (20 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service before current visa expires. | 50 USD (50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) if staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival or visa is required.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, or for all travellers as per Ghana's regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Ghana, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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
Independence Avenue, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for AU 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 = 11.32 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
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at all official land border crossings, including Aflao (from Togo) and Elubo (from Côte d'Ivoire). The process is similar to the airport — same fee, same documents. But the queues can be slower, so allow extra time.
It's typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra for an additional 30 days. The extension costs about 200 GHS (around $20 USD).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 200 GHS per day (about $20 USD) and may be detained until you pay. Always extend before your visa expires if you need more time.
Yes, you need proof of yellow fever vaccination (the yellow card) to enter Ghana. Immigration may ask for it at the border. If you don't have it, you might be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No. The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — either US dollars or Ghanaian cedis. Have the exact amount ready. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they may not dispense cedis if you don't have a local card.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area (e.g., for a layover in Accra), you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
No, Ghana does not offer an e-visa for Australian passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival or a traditional visa from a Ghanaian embassy (e.g., in Canberra or London). The visa on arrival is the simplest and most common route.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.