Ghana entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any port of entry in Ghana. Show up at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, and you can get your visa there. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you need a few things ready.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport
Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the payment counter does not accept cards. You also need two passport-sized photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking.Check GIS portalRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Ghana. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport check this before you board — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Ghana
Immigration officers at Kotoka ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave Ghana within your visa validity. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel gets you pulled aside for questioning.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Immigration may ask for the address and phone number of where you are staying.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Required for all travellers over 9 months old
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you will be vaccinated at the airport clinic for a fee of around $20 USD or denied entry.Required
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring USD or GBP in good condition (no torn or old notes). ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Ghana strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs extra and takes time).

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (Accra)
Most Bahraini travellers arrive at Accra's Kotoka International Airport. Follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' after deplaning.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Look for the dedicated Visa on Arrival counter. You'll be asked to fill out a simple form (name, passport number, flight details). Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is paid at the counter. As of 2026, it's around $150 USD (or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis). Credit cards are not always accepted, so bring cash in USD or GBP.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates are correct before you walk away. The process usually takes 10-20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. You'll be stamped in.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost150 USD (150 USD)

Apply at Ghanaian embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost250 USD (250 USD)

For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.

work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~200 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Ghanaian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Provides residency and business rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Standard fee for Bahrain passport holders at Ghanaian ports of entry.150 USD (150 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day beyond authorized stay; no official cap reported.20 USD per day (20 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

Bahrain passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)

Health & vaccines for Ghana

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.

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
Independence Avenue, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the Ashanti Region.

Practical information for BH 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
updated May 29
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
Police191
Medical193
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival fee is approximately $150 USD. You can pay in US dollars, euros, or Ghanaian cedis. Credit cards are not reliably accepted, so bring cash. The fee is for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel — contact the Ghana High Commission in Manama.
Yes, Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — border officials check it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival.
Visa on arrival is available at all official ports of entry, including land borders. The process is the same — fill out a form, pay the fee, get the sticker. However, land border crossings can be less predictable; bring extra patience and cash.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers tourism and short business visits. If you're doing paid work or long-term assignments, you need a work visa arranged in advance through the Ghana embassy.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed arrival form (provided on the plane or at the counter), your return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card is fine.
Typically 10-20 minutes at Kotoka International Airport. During peak hours (evening arrivals), it can take up to 45 minutes. There's no pre-approval needed, so you just queue and pay.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.