Ghana entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghana's Kotoka International Airport in Accra. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $150 for single entry or $200 for multiple entry. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Ghana.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee (valid up to 30 days). You'll need a passport photo and your return ticket details — the officer will ask for both.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ghana
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you plan to leave Ghana. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately — some officers ask to see it during the visa-on-arrival process.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa-on-arrival processing
You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. The airline at check-in in Colombo will also ask for it — no ticket, no boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Ghana. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival desk sometimes ask where you're staying — a booking confirmation covers you.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement showing you can support yourself
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. The visa-on-arrival officer may ask how you'll fund your stay — having cash visible helps.Recommended
Yellow Fever Certificate Required
You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival at your own expense.
Cash Only for Visa Fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP in good condition. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before passport control, usually on the left side of the arrivals hall.
2
Fill Out the Application Form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, flight number, address in Ghana. Fill it out in black ink.
3
Submit Documents and Pay Fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the fee in cash (USD/EUR/GBP). The officer will process your visa.
4
Receive Visa and Proceed to Passport Control
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Then go to the regular passport control queue. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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. 100 USD)

Apply at Ghana embassy in Colombo or online if available.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)

Suitable for frequent travellers; must have valid reason.

Business Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.

work visa
Ghana Work Permit (Non-Citizen Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Ghanaian employer. Requires company sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD) plus tuition proof
For those enrolled in accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter, financial proof, and medical clearance.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Ghana. Requires business registration and proof of funds. Allows residence and work.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at the airport in USD, GBP, or EUR. Exact amount may vary.$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.$20 USD per day (approx. 20 USD)
Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service before current stay expires.$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

Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Ghana's international airports (e.g., Kotoka) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC) · Kumasi Airport (KMS) · Takoradi Airport (TKD)

Health & vaccines for Ghana

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread 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; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

Risk is high nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 M. 42, Ministries, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for 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 for visitors in Ashanti Region.

Practical information for LK 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
updated May 29
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
Police191
Medical193
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It can be extended once at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra for an additional 30 days (fee: about $50).
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you arrive by land or sea, you must have a visa in advance.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No. The fee must be paid in USD, EUR, or GBP. Bring crisp, undamaged notes — torn or marked bills may be refused.
Yes. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
Yes. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra (near the airport) before your visa expires. The extension costs about $50 and gives you another 30 days.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $20 per day overstayed, and may be detained or banned from re-entry. Always extend or leave on time.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.