Ghana entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana. You'll handle it at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $100 USD in cash (or equivalent in GBP) ready for the single-entry visa fee. The process takes about 15–30 minutes at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kotoka ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines enforce this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate International Certificate of Vaccination | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry — carry the original card, not a photo. | Required |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money). Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While some counters accept credit cards, many travellers report issues with card machines. Bring $100 USD in cash (new, clean bills) to avoid delays. Ghanaian cedis are also accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
After landing in Accra, follow signs to immigration. Join the 'Visa on Arrival' queue — it's separate from the regular immigration line.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and return ticket details handy. A pen is useful.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around $100 USD (or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis). Credit cards are accepted at some counters, but cash (USD or GHS) is safer. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in hand, go to the main passport control queue. Present your passport, visa, and return ticket if asked. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80 GBP)
Apply at Ghana High Commission in London.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. £160 GBP)
Requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. £120 GBP)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 4 years)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$200 USD (approx. £160 GBP)
Requires admission letter from accredited institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD, GBP, or Ghanaian Cedi at port of entry. | $150 USD (approx. £120 GBP) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 60 days)Available at Kotoka International Airport. | $200 USD (approx. £160 GBP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply at Ghana High Commission in London. | $100 USD (approx. £80 GBP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)Requires pre-approval; not available on arrival. | $200 USD (approx. £160 GBP) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day (approx. £16 GBP), max $500 USD |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. | $50 USD (approx. £40 GBP) |
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 need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Ghana, a visa on arrival is 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 = 11.32 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 around $100 USD (or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis). It's best to have exact cash in USD or GHS. Credit cards are sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.
Typically 30 days from the date of issue. Check the sticker before leaving the counter. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–100 USD. You'll need a reason (e.g., tourism, business).
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
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 and carry the yellow card.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If entering by land, you need to arrange a visa in advance at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Ghana (e.g., for a long layover), you'll need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.