Ghana entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Ghana for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Netherlands nationals, so you need to apply through the Ghanaian embassy in The Hague. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to account for processing and any delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or through an eVisa; plan to apply well ahead of your trip. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Netherlands passport holders. You must apply in person or via a visa processing service at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before travel. The eVisa is not available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Ghana. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be an actual visa page, not the endorsement page. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have two. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready to show at check-in and upon arrival. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Ghana before your visa or permitted stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a clear limit to demonstrate financial means. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Ghana. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before landing. Not required | Ghana does not require an arrival declaration for Netherlands passport holders at this time. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationIgnore any third-party sites offering eVisa for your nationality — they are not official. Not available | The Ghana eVisa is not available for Netherlands passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online; use the embassy/consulate route instead. | Not required |
No eVisa for Dutch citizens
Ghana does not offer an eVisa for Netherlands passport holders. You must apply through the Ghanaian embassy or consulate in person or via a visa service. Don't fall for online 'eVisa' scams — the only official route is the embassy.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you will be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be expensive and delay your arrival. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and any other required documents. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
2
Complete the online application
Go to the Ghana Immigration Service website and fill out the visa application form. Print the completed form and sign it. Double-check all details — mistakes can cause delays.
3
Submit your application at the embassy
Take your printed form, passport, photos, and supporting documents to the Ghanaian embassy or consulate in the Netherlands (in The Hague). Submit the package in person or via a visa service if the embassy allows it. Pay the fee at this point.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak periods. The embassy may contact you for additional information or an interview.
5
Collect your visa
Once approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before you leave the embassy.
6
Arrive in Ghana
At Kotoka International Airport in Accra, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket ready. You'll get an entry stamp — check that the date is correct.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company and proof of business purpose.
Multiple-entry visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For frequent business or family visits; must apply at Ghana High Commission.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1000 USD (approx. 1000 USD)
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ghana visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Apply at Ghana High Commission in The Hague or online via Ghana Immigration Service; fees vary by duration and entry type. | $60 |
| Ghana visa (single entry, up to 90 days)For longer stays; apply in advance. | $100 |
| Ghana visa (multiple entry, up to 1 year)For frequent travellers; subject to approval. | $200 |
| Visa extension (per extension)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra; extensions are discretionary. | $50 |
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
A transit visa is required for Dutch passport holders transiting through Ghana, unless you remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with a valid Ghana visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural 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
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for NL 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
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
Processing at the Ghanaian embassy in The Hague typically takes 5–10 working days. However, it can take longer during busy periods, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No. Dutch passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Netherlands nationals.
Fees vary depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and are set by the Ghanaian embassy. Check the embassy's website or contact them directly for the current fee. Expect to pay roughly €50–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa.
Yes. Ghana requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Without the certificate, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Ghana before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days for a single-entry tourist visa, but it depends on the visa type granted by the embassy. Check the visa sticker for your exact allowed stay.
It's not always required, but the embassy may ask for bank statements or proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. It's a good idea to have recent bank statements ready if requested.
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.