Ghana entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $150 USD. The process is straightforward, but you need to have your documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Bring $150 USD in cash (exact amount, no change given) and two passport-sized photos. The process takes 15–30 minutes — have your flight booking and hotel address handy.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Ghana immigration checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding in Tokyo. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Accra airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines in Tokyo also check this before issuing your boarding pass. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Officers sometimes ask where you are staying. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works. Have it ready in case they ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Ghana is a cash-heavy country — credit cards work in Accra hotels but not everywhere. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Ghana. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king for the visa fee
The $150 USD visa fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at the airport may not dispense USD, and card payments aren't accepted. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After deplaning, follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Join that queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport, flight details, and accommodation address handy. Staff can help if needed.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the $150 USD in cash. They'll process your visa and issue a sticker.
4
Pass through immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, proceed to the immigration counters. Show your passport with the visa, and they'll stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Ghana.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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 (100 USD)
Apply at Ghana embassy; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply before travel.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (500 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Ghanaian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000 USD (1,000 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Ghanaian business. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at Kotoka International Airport. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days) – pre-arrangedApply at Ghana embassy before travel; may be cheaper than VoA. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Available from Ghana embassy; allows multiple entries within validity. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra before current visa expires. | 50 USD (50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of 500 USD; pay at immigration office before departure. | 20 USD (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
Japan passport holders transiting through Ghana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Ghana may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; outbreaks occur in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for JP 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
No — the visa-on-arrival facility 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 beforehand.
It's typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You cannot extend it beyond that. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. A refundable ticket or a bus/ferry booking to a neighboring country may work, but a flight is safest.
No — only cash is accepted, and US dollars are preferred. Some reports say Ghanaian cedis are also accepted, but the exchange rate may not be favorable. Bring crisp, new $100 bills to avoid rejection.
Yes — Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 9 months old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival.
Usually 20–40 minutes, but it can take longer during peak hours (evening arrivals). The queue moves steadily. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
No — the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Ghana, you'll need to apply for a new visa on arrival when you return.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.