Ghana entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana. You'll receive a 30-day single-entry visa at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, valid for tourism or business. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee (valid for 30 days). The visa counter is before immigration — fill out the form, pay, and get your visa sticker in about 10 minutes.Check GIS requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ghana | Ghana enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Kotoka will turn you away. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration at Kotoka Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Air Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopian Airlines check this at check-in too. A refundable onward ticket or a bus ticket to a neighboring country works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Immigration officers sometimes ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Have a printed booking confirmation or a signed invitation letter with your host's contact details and address ready. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Mandatory for all travellers over 9 months old | Ghana requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate — you will not be allowed through immigration without it. The certificate must be stamped and signed, and the vaccine must have been given at least 10 days before arrival. Carry the original yellow card, not a photocopy. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP. No credit cards, no ATMs at the counter. Bring exact change if possible.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
After landing in Accra, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and flight details handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents. You'll be stamped in.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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)
Apply at Ghana embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
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 in Ghana.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~200 USD (200 USD)
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)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash at Kotoka International Airport. Non-extendable. | $150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 20 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Ghana or a residence permit may enter the country.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. 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 and re-entry permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for CH 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
The fee is approximately $150 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. You must pay in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days and cost around $50 USD. Visit the office in person with your passport and a completed application form.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If entering by land, you need to obtain a visa from a Ghanaian embassy before travel.
The process usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue. It's straightforward — fill a form, pay, get the sticker, then proceed to passport control.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket or flight out of Ghana. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.