Ghana entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghana's Kotoka International Airport in Accra. You pay the fee at the bank counter in the arrivals hall before heading to immigration. As of 2026, this remains the standard entry method for Iraqi travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR) — have the exact amount ready as change can be tight. You'll need two passport-sized photos and a printout of your hotel booking.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Accra routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Officers may ask for this during visa-on-arrival processing. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Yellow fever vaccination certificate | Ghana requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving passengers. You'll be asked to show it at health screening before immigration — no jab, no entry. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or GHS) at the bank counter before immigration. ATMs in the arrivals hall are unreliable — don't count on them. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Have your yellow card ready at health screening. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Kotoka International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Arrivals'. You'll pass through a health screening checkpoint where a temperature check and yellow fever vaccination card may be requested.
2
Go to the bank counter
Before immigration, there's a bank counter on the left. Pay the visa on arrival fee here — cash only (USD or GHS). You'll get a receipt.
3
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport, the bank receipt, and your boarding pass. The officer will process your visa sticker. Answer any questions about your stay (hotel, return flight).
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once stamped, collect your passport and head to baggage claim. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Apply at Ghana embassy/consulate before travel; allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$250 USD (approx. 250 USD)
For multiple visits; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD) processing fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study program (typically 1–4 years)
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD) processing fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Ghana. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD) processing fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Standard fee for most nationalities; payable in cash (USD or local currency) at port of entry. | $150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | $20 USD per day (approx. 20 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay up to 30 days, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 50 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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Ghana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC), Accra
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if you have been in an endemic area within 6 days of travel.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during flooding or poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 1050, Cantonments, 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
Regional Coordinating Council, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for IQ 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 = 11.71 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 visa on arrival fee is approximately $150 USD for a single-entry visa. You pay at the bank counter in the arrivals hall before immigration. Cash only — bring USD or GHS. There's an ATM but it's often out of order.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Yes, Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at health screening. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Ghana immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
The visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you're arriving by land or at another airport, you must get a visa in advance from a Ghanaian embassy.
No, only at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Other airports like Kumasi or Tamale do not offer visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders.
Your passport (6+ months validity), the bank receipt from the visa fee payment, your boarding pass, and proof of return/onward ticket. Having a hotel booking confirmation handy is also smart.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.