Ghana entry requirements for Russia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. No need to apply at an embassy beforehand. As of 2025, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready before you land.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport
Get your visa on arrival at Accra's Kotoka International Airport. Have your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee in cash (USD or Ghanaian Cedi) ready. The process takes about 10-15 minutes at the immigration counter.Check GIS requirementsRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
Your Russian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Ghana. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Ghana
Immigration officers at Kotoka ask for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Ghana within your allowed stay.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Ghana. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking ready avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds
Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of funds, especially if you are staying more than a week.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring exact change if possible.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic personal details, flight info, and where you're staying. Fill it in while in the queue.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around $150 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will check your documents, take your photo, and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After the visa stamp, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs and exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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 at Ghana embassy; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 USD (200 USD)

Good for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.

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
~500–1,000 USD (depending on category)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company or with a job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study (typically 1–4 years)
~200 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000–2,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at Kotoka International Airport.150 USD (150 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Obtained from Ghana embassy before travel; may be cheaper than VoA.100 USD (100 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Available from embassy; allows multiple entries within validity.200 USD (200 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and bans.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

Russian passport holders transiting through Ghana (Kotoka International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter Ghana (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is 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; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is endemic throughout Ghana; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.

Practical information for RU 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 = 11.56 GHS
updated May 22
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 fee is approximately $150 USD. Bring exact cash in US dollars — no change is given. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Immigration will likely deny entry. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you're entering by land, you need to get a visa from a Ghanaian embassy beforehand.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but it can take longer during peak hours (evenings and weekends). Plan for at least 30 minutes after landing.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.