Ghana entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
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
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Ghana, but you can get it online before you fly. The eVisa process is straightforward, and you'll have your approval in hand before you leave Canada.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Canadian citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Ghana Immigration Service eVisa portal (https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/). Standard processing (96 hours) costs $260 USD; express (5 hours) costs $442 USD. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration often require proof of onward travel. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Ghana before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask to see that you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses while in Ghana. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be denied entry or subject to vaccination on arrival. Required for entry | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Ghana. This is a mandatory health requirement. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | Ghana does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Canadian citizens. | Not required |
Apply early — don't rely on express
Even though express processing exists (5 hours), it costs $182 USD more. Standard processing is 96 hours, but applications can be delayed if there are issues with your photo or documents. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Ghana enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement strictly. Without the certificate, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get the shot at a travel clinic at least 10 days before departure.
eVisa is the only option — no visa on arrival
Canadian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Ghana. The eVisa is the only way to get your visa in advance. Make sure you have the printed approval with you — digital copies on your phone are not always accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload your photo and pay the fee. Standard processing takes 96 hours (about 4 days), so apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at immigration in Accra. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
When you land in Accra, follow the signs to immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The process is usually quick — expect 10-20 minutes in line.
4
Exit Ghana
When you leave, you'll go through departure immigration at the airport. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. There's no exit visa or fee for Canadian citizens.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
Business visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$250
For frequent business travelers; requires proof of prior visits or strong business ties.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$150
Requires admission letter from Ghanaian educational institution.
Work permit / Residence visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$300
Requires work permit approval from Ghana Immigration Service before application.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit and Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee + processing
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company or with a job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study (typically 1–4 years)
~$150 USD application fee
For those enrolled in accredited Ghanaian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 USD in Ghana. Provides residency and business benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ghana eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard fee for Canadian citizens; paid online before travel. | $100 |
| Ghana eVisa (single entry, 60 days)Longer validity option. | $150 |
| Ghana eVisa (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent travelers. | $200 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service in Accra; may require sponsor letter. | GHS 300 (approx. $25) |
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
Canadian citizens transiting through Ghana (Kotoka International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area or staying overnight in a hotel, a visa is required.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow Fever (if not already required)EssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis strongly recommended, especially in rural areas.
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 nationwide, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 and re-entry permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for CA 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 Canadian passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel. The only exception is if you're in a genuine emergency, but that's handled at the embassy, not at the airport.
The standard processing time is 96 hours (about 4 business days). If you're in a rush, you can pay extra for express processing, which takes about 5 hours. It's best to apply at least a week before your departure to avoid any delays.
The standard eVisa costs $260 USD, and the express option costs $442 USD. This is the total fee — there are no additional charges at the airport. Payment is made online with a credit or debit card.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. Note that the eVisa itself is not extendable, so you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Yes. Ghana requires all travellers to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You'll need to show it at immigration in Accra. If you don't have it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which is not ideal). Get the shot at least 10 days before your trip.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, or contact the Ghana Immigration Service directly. The application fee is non-refundable, so double-check everything before submitting.
The eVisa is valid for entry at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you plan to enter by land from a neighbouring country, you should check with the Ghana Immigration Service — some land borders may not accept the eVisa. For most travellers flying in, the airport is the main entry point.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.