Ghana entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
UK passport holders need an eVisa to enter Ghana. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward and can be completed in as little as 5 hours if you pay for the express service.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana e-Visa approvalWithout an approved e-Visa, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter Ghana. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an approved Ghana e-Visa before departure. The standard processing fee is $260 USD (96-hour processing) or $442 USD for express (5-hour processing). Apply at the official Ghana e-Visa portal: https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/. | Required |
| Passport validityGhana enforces a strict 6-month validity rule for most nationalities, including UK citizens. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Ghana. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for the entry stamp. Ensure no visas or marks occupy the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketGhanaian immigration often requires evidence that you will leave the country before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Ghana | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Ghana within the allowed stay period. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps avoid issues at immigration. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash) to cover your expenses during your time in Ghana. No fixed amount is specified, but you should have enough for accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGhana enforces yellow fever certificate checks at the border; without it, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival at your own cost. Required for entry | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Ghana. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel. This is a mandatory health requirement for all travellers over 9 months old. | Required |
| Travel insuranceTravel insurance protects you from high medical costs if you fall ill or have an accident. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including potential evacuation, as healthcare facilities in Ghana may require upfront payment. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsHaving accommodation details helps demonstrate your travel plans and is often requested by immigration officers. Hotel booking or host address | Have your hotel reservation confirmation or the address and contact details of your host in Ghana ready. Immigration may ask for your intended place of stay. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply before you fly
UK citizens cannot get a visa at the airport in Ghana. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines check this at check-in, so don't risk showing up without it.
Express processing is fast but pricey
If you're in a rush, the express eVisa costs $442 USD and is processed in 5 hours. Standard is $260 USD and takes 4 days. Plan ahead to save money.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Ghana enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement strictly. Without the certificate, you may be vaccinated on arrival or refused entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
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 any supporting documents as prompted.
2
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay the fee online using a credit or debit card. Standard processing costs $260 USD and takes 96 hours (4 days). Express processing costs $442 USD and takes 5 hours. Choose based on how soon you travel.
3
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa attached as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Accra.
4
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
On arrival, head to the immigration desks. Have your passport, printed eVisa, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints and photo, and stamp your passport. This usually takes 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and go through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Ghana.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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, 60 days)
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company
Multiple entry visa (6 months)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$200
For frequent travelers
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. £400 GBP) processing fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires job offer and labour market test. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. £800 GBP) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Ghana. Includes residency rights for family.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
~$200 USD (approx. £160 GBP) processing fee
For full-time students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
Ghana Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. £240 GBP)
Not yet officially launched; expected to allow remote workers to live in Ghana. Check official sources for updates.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard fee for UK passport holders | $100 |
| eVisa (single entry, 60 days)Optional longer stay | $150 |
| Visa on arrival (if not pre-approved)Only for eligible travelers; not guaranteed | $150 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service in Accra | $50 |
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
UK passport holders transiting through Kotoka International Airport (Accra) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for destination if required
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; certificate may be checked at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions reduce risk.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Ghana, including urban 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
P.O. Box CT 1051, Cantonments, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Ashanti Regional Office
Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in central Ghana.
Practical information for GB 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 UK citizens. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. The only exception is if you're in a genuine emergency — but that's at the discretion of immigration and not something to rely on.
Standard processing takes 96 hours (4 days) and costs $260 USD. Express processing takes 5 hours and costs $442 USD. The clock starts after you submit your application and pay the fee. Apply well in advance if you're not using express.
The eVisa is typically valid for a single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and must be requested in person.
You may be vaccinated on arrival at the airport (at your own cost) or, in some cases, refused entry. It's not worth the risk — get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry only. If you leave Ghana and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa. There's no multi-entry option for UK citizens on this eVisa.
Print it. Airlines and immigration officers in Accra prefer a physical copy. It's also a good backup if your phone dies or you can't access your email. Keep a digital copy on your phone as well.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include incorrect passport details, poor photo quality, or missing information. Double-check everything before submitting.
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.