Ghana entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed September 19, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · September 19, 2026
Visa requiredeVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
eVisa required
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 need a visa to enter Ghana. Ghana runs an eVisa system for Australians, so you can apply online before you fly rather than queueing at an embassy. Apply in advance, print your approval, and you're set for arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana visaYou cannot get a Ghana visa on arrival or online — you need to apply through an embassy or consulate before you fly. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Australian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Ghana. Ghana does not offer an eVisa for Australian citizens, so you must apply in person or by mail at the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate. Processing can take several weeks, so start well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityGhana requires your passport to remain valid for half a year after you arrive, so check the expiry date early. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Ghana. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport when you enter Ghana. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank visa page (not the endorsement pages) for the Ghanaian entry stamp. If you have fewer than 1 blank page, get a new passport before travelling. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officials want to see that you have a way out of the country, so have your ticket ready. Proof of departure from Ghana | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Ghana before your visa or permitted stay expires. This is checked at check-in and by Ghanaian immigration on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry recent bank statements or a credit card to prove you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Ghana (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, or cash). The amount is not fixed but should match your planned length of stay and activities. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout the yellow fever certificate, you may be denied entry or forced to be vaccinated at the airport. Required for entry | Ghana requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. | Required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you if you get sick, have an accident, or need to cancel your trip. Recommended for medical and trip coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and other emergencies in Ghana. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival declaration before flying to Ghana. Not required | Ghana does not require a separate arrival or health declaration form for Australian passport holders at this time. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms on arrival. | Not required |
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
Ghana checks yellow fever vaccination proof on arrival. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the original yellow card — a photo on your phone may not be accepted.
Print everything
Airlines in Australia will ask for your eVisa approval at check-in, and immigration in Accra may ask for accommodation and return flight proof. Print all of it. Phone batteries die and airport Wi-Fi is unreliable.
Cash declaration rules
Ghana enforces currency declaration rules. If you're carrying more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in cash, declare it on arrival. Undeclared cash can be seized.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to Ghana's official eVisa portal and create an account. Upload your passport bio page, a passport photo, your yellow fever certificate, and your flight details. Pay the fee by card. Processing usually takes a few business days — don't leave it to the last minute.
2
Print your approval before flying
Once approved, download and print the eVisa approval letter. Airlines flying to Accra will ask to see it at check-in in Australia — without it you won't be allowed to board.
3
Fill in the arrival form on the plane
You'll get a Ghana immigration arrival card before landing. Fill it in with your flight number, address in Ghana, and passport details. Have a pen — they're not always handed out with one.
4
Clear immigration at Kotoka International Airport
At Accra's Kotoka International Airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and arrival card. Expect fingerprinting and a photo. Queues can be long when multiple wide-body flights land together — late evening arrivals are the busiest.
5
Collect your bags and clear customs
After immigration, grab your luggage and head through customs. You may be asked to show your yellow fever certificate here if you weren't asked at immigration. Declare anything of value over the allowance — Ghana enforces currency rules on cash over USD 10,000.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated September 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from date of issue
CostUSD 150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company and proof of business activities.
Multiple entry visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months or 1 year
CostUSD 200–300 (approx.)
Available for frequent travellers; apply at Ghanaian embassy or high commission.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Fee varies by nationality and visa type; payable at Ghanaian embassy or high commission. | USD 100 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (up to 60 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) headquarters in Accra before current visa expires. | GHS 200 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax for international flights. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Australian passport holders transiting through Ghana require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports with prior arrangement
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 = 11.35 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. Australian passport holders must have a visa to enter Ghana. The easiest route is Ghana's eVisa, which you apply for online before you travel. You cannot get a visa on arrival without prior approval.
Typically a few business days, but it can stretch longer if your documents aren't clear or you apply during a busy period. Apply at least two weeks before departure so you're not sweating it the night before your flight.
Fees vary by visa type and are set by Ghana Immigration Service. Check the current fee on the official eVisa portal when you apply — it's paid by card during the application. Budget extra for the yellow fever vaccination if you don't already have one.
Extensions are not guaranteed and the eVisa is generally issued for a fixed stay. If you need to stay longer, contact Ghana Immigration Service in Accra well before your permitted stay expires. Overstaying leads to fines and possible bans.
Yes. Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel so the certificate is valid, and carry the original yellow card with you — it can be checked at the airport.
You'll fill in an arrival card on the plane, then join the 'All Passports' queue at immigration. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and arrival card. You'll be fingerprinted and photographed. Then collect your bags and clear customs. Late-night arrivals are the busiest — expect queues.
The eVisa is primarily set up for air arrivals at Kotoka International Airport. If you're entering overland from Togo, Burkina Faso, or Côte d'Ivoire, or arriving by sea, confirm with Ghana Immigration Service or the nearest Ghanaian embassy that your eVisa will be accepted at that specific border post before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on September 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.