Ghana entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghana's international airports. No advance application needed — just bring the right documents and pay the fee. Here's what you need for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash for the single-entry visa fee, plus a passport-sized photo. The process takes about 15–30 minutes at the immigration counter.Check GIS portal | Required |
| 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 pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Accra airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and charged). Get it at least 10 days before you fly.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring US dollars or Ghanaian cedis in cash. Having the exact amount speeds things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
Most flights from Laos connect through Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Istanbul. You'll land at Terminal 2 or 3 in Accra.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival counter
Before immigration, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' desk on the left side of the arrivals hall. Join the queue.
3
Submit your documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (issued on the plane), and a passport photo. Pay the fee in USD or GHS. The officer processes your visa.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration counter. The officer stamps you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they sometimes ask for it.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in Ghana.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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 before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Requires proof of multiple trips.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (500 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) plus tuition
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) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in Ghana. Requires business registration and investment plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Paid on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 20 USD per day (20 USD per day) |
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Ghana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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, including Laos, as Ghana is at risk for yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural and forested areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
Independence Avenue, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extension and permit inquiries.
Practical information for LA 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 fee is typically around $100 USD or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis. It can vary slightly, so bring a bit extra. Pay in cash — no cards accepted.
The standard stay is 30 days. It's not extendable, so if you need longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you're entering by land from Togo or Côte d'Ivoire, you need to arrange a visa in advance.
Yes. Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. You'll be asked for your yellow card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. Visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Ghana and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before your trip.
It's rare if you have all documents ready. Common reasons for denial: invalid passport, no return ticket, or previous immigration violations. If denied, you'll be put on the next flight back.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.