Ghana entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Ghana for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so plan ahead and apply through the Ghanaian High Commission in Canberra or a Ghanaian embassy or consulate. The process takes time, so start early.
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 |
No visa on arrival — apply well in advance
Australian passport holders cannot get a Ghana visa at the airport. You must secure your visa before flying. Processing can take up to 2 weeks, so start your application at least a month before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
Ghanaian immigration will deny entry without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Carry the original certificate with your passport — a photo on your phone won't be accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page.
2
Complete the application form
Download and fill out the Ghana visa application form from the Ghana High Commission in Canberra. Print it and sign it.
3
Submit your application
Mail or drop off your application package to the Ghana High Commission in Canberra. Include all documents and the fee. Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but can take longer — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check the visa details (dates, number of entries) for accuracy before you travel.
5
Arrive in Ghana
At Kotoka International Airport in Accra, join the immigration queue. Have your passport with visa, yellow fever certificate, and proof of accommodation ready. Be prepared to answer questions about your stay.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 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
No. Ghana does not offer visa-on-arrival for Australian passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel, through the Ghana High Commission in Canberra or a Ghanaian embassy/consulate in your region.
Standard processing takes about 5-10 working days, but it can take longer depending on the time of year and the embassy's workload. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Fees vary based on visa type (single entry, multiple entry) and duration. As of 2026, expect to pay around AUD 100-200. Check the Ghana High Commission in Canberra's website for the exact fee schedule.
Yes, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration, and it's also required for the visa application. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
No, the visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Ghana and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a new visa from outside the country. Plan your stay within the visa's validity.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international transit area, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport, you must have a visa. Check with your airline and the Ghana High Commission to confirm transit requirements.
The Ghana High Commission is located at 13 Fullerton Street, Canberra ACT 2601. You can also contact them by phone at +61 2 6273 8600 or via email at [email protected]. Check their website for current application procedures.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.