Ghana entry requirements for China passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires specific documents ready at immigration.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the visa fee (single entry, valid 30 days). Bring two recent passport photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking.Check GIS portalRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. Have at least two blank visa pages for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Kotoka will ask for a printed return or onward ticket. Have a copy ready — they check this before you reach the visa-on-arrival counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Immigration may ask for this at the visa-on-arrival desk.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means for your stay.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD, GBP, or EUR. No credit cards, no mobile money. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever certificate required
Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. Carry your Yellow Card — immigration may ask for it. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
For Chinese passport holders, the visa on arrival at Accra airport is a routine process. Have your documents ready, pay in cash, and you'll be through in under an hour.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before the main passport control booths. Join the queue — it can take 20-40 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, flight number, hotel address. Fill it in while waiting. Have your pen ready.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, two photos, and the fee in cash (USD preferred). The officer will process the visa sticker and stamp it into your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main passport control line. Show your passport with the visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. They may also ask for your hotel booking.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process from landing to exiting usually takes 45-90 minutes.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)

Apply at Ghana embassy/consulate before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (approx. 200 USD)

Suitable for frequent travellers.

work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
~200 USD (approx. 200 USD) plus tuition fees
For those enrolled in accredited Ghanaian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Requires business registration and investment documentation.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.150 USD (150 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained from Ghanaian embassy before travel; valid for 30 days.100 USD (100 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months; allows multiple entries.200 USD (200 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 500 USD; payable at immigration office.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

China passport holders transiting through Ghana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport, a visa on arrival is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)

Health & vaccines for Ghana

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is prevalent throughout Ghana; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Rare but possible; ensure safe food and water practices.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round across Ghana. 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
P.O. Box CT 1051, Cantonments, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

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

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.

Practical information for CN 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 = 11.52 GHS
updated May 21
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 fee is approximately $150 USD. It must be paid in cash — USD, GBP, or EUR are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa-on-arrival counter. Carry the exact amount to avoid change issues.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you arrive by land or sea, you must have a visa issued by a Ghanaian embassy before travel.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Immigration will likely deny your visa on arrival. You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable, but a printed copy is safer.
Yes. Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 9 months old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) — immigration may ask to see it. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa at a Ghanaian embassy before your trip.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity requirement is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.