Ghana entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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 need a visa to enter Ghana. You must apply for this visa at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for your nationality. Plan ahead, as the process involves paperwork and processing time.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Ghana visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the visa stamped in your passport before you fly.
Apply at an embassy or consulate
Sri Lankan citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Ghana. Since you are not eligible for the Ghana eVisa, you must apply through a Ghanaian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry.
At least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Ghana. Check the expiry date before booking.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your entry.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure there are no tears or damage on that page.Required
Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officials often ask to see proof that you will not overstay.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing that you will leave Ghana before your visa or permitted stay expires. Have the itinerary ready to show at check-in and immigration.Required
Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself; having proof avoids delays.
Sufficient for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Ghana, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should match your length of stay and planned activities.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be refused entry or required to be vaccinated at the airport.
Required for entry
You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Ghana. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel.Required
Arrival declarationNo pre-arrival online form is needed.
Not required
Ghana does not require a separate arrival declaration for Sri Lankan citizens. You will complete the standard immigration and customs forms on arrival.Not required
No visa on arrival or eVisa — apply early
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a Ghana visa on arrival or through an eVisa. You must apply at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks in advance to account for document gathering and processing delays.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Ghana strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without a valid certificate, you will be denied entry at the airport. Get vaccinated at a certified clinic and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis with your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate
Find the Ghanaian diplomatic mission that covers Sri Lanka. There is no Ghana embassy in Colombo, so you'll likely need to apply through the Ghana High Commission in New Delhi, India, or another designated mission. Email or call them first to confirm their application process, required documents, and fees.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and any additional documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy's rules, you may need to appear in person for biometrics or an interview. If mail-in is allowed, use a secure courier. Pay the visa fee and get a receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
5
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa sticker. Verify that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy immediately.
6
Arrive in Ghana and go through immigration
At Kotoka International Airport in Accra, join the 'Visas' queue. Have your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may ask about your stay — answer clearly. After stamping, you'll collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150–$200

Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company and proof of business purpose.

Multiple entry visa (6 months)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$250–$300

For frequent travelers; requires supporting documents and prior visa history.

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 Kotoka International Airport in cash (USD or GHS) or by card; subject to immigration approval.$100 (or equivalent in GHS)
Visa extension (up to 60 days additional)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra before current visa expires.Approx. $50–$100
Exit feeNo separate airport departure tax for international flights.Included in airfare

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

Transit visa required

Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Ghana require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders
  • Holders of a valid residence permit for Ghana
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)

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 = 11.35 GHS
updated Jul 3
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

No. Ghana does not offer visa-on-arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Ghana's eVisa system is not available to Sri Lankan citizens. You must apply through a Ghanaian diplomatic mission — there is no online visa portal for your nationality.
There is no Ghana embassy in Sri Lanka. The nearest Ghanaian mission is the Ghana High Commission in New Delhi, India. You may also check if Ghana has an honorary consulate in Colombo — contact the High Commission in New Delhi for guidance on where to submit your application.
Processing times vary, but typically it takes 5–10 working days once your application is submitted. It can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents or if you apply during peak season. Always ask the embassy for a current estimate.
Visa fees are set by the Ghanaian government and can change. Contact the Ghana High Commission in New Delhi or the relevant embassy for the exact fee. Expect to pay in the local currency or as directed by the mission.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Ghana. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival, and you'll need to show the certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (which is not ideal).
No. The Ghana visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you overstay, you may face fines or other penalties. Plan your trip within the visa's validity period.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.