Ghana entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana. Just show up at Kotoka International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard process for NZ citizens visiting Ghana.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the payment counter does not accept cards. You also need two passport-sized photos and a printout of your hotel booking.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you enter Ghana. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Kotoka ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — showing it on your phone works too, but a printout is safer. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Have a printed copy of your booking confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their contact details. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry | You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) upon arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry — carry the original card, not a photo. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. ATMs are available after immigration, but you won't be able to withdraw before paying. Bring at least $100 USD in cash.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Kotoka is well-established for NZ passport holders. Have your documents ready, pay the fee, and you'll be through in 15–30 minutes. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
You'll land at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated visa-on-arrival counter — look for the sign or ask an officer.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (given on the plane), and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around $100 USD. Keep the receipt.
3
Get your visa sticker and proceed
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs. Total time is usually 15–30 minutes.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Apply online or at embassy; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (500 USD) processing fee
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) processing fee
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000 USD (1,000 USD) processing fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or GHS) at Kotoka International Airport. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-approved)Apply online before travel; may be cheaper than VoA. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Available for frequent travellers; apply at embassy. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 1,000 USD; pay at immigration office before departure. | 20 USD per day (20 USD per day) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. | 50 USD (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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Kotoka International Airport (Accra) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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
Independence Avenue, Ridge, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and permits; less crowded than Accra.
Practical information for NZ 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
The fee is approximately $100 USD, payable in cash. US dollars are preferred, but some counters may accept Ghanaian cedis. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the standard 30 days, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Kotoka International Airport.
You'll receive an arrival form on the plane. Fill it out before landing. No online pre-registration is required for the visa on arrival.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. US dollars are the most widely accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a booked onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
It's primarily available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the Ghana Immigration Service if you're entering overland.
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.