Ghana entry requirements for Sweden 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

Swedish passport holders need a visa to enter Ghana for any purpose, including tourism. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as the application involves an embassy visit and processing time.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Ghana visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; plan ahead and apply at a Ghanaian diplomatic mission.
Apply at embassy/consulate
Swedish citizens must obtain a visa before travel. Ghana does not offer an eVisa for Swedish passport holders. Submit an application at the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date well before you travel.
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 pagesMake sure there is a clean page for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight 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.Required
Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if requested.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Ghana, such as bank statements or cash.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing.
Not required
Ghana does not require an arrival declaration for Swedish citizens.Not required
eVisa applicationOnly embassy/consulate applications are valid for your nationality.
Not available
Swedish citizens are not eligible for Ghana's eVisa program. Do not attempt an online eVisa application.Not required
No visa on arrival — apply well in advance
Swedish passport holders cannot get a Ghana visa at the airport. You must secure a visa from a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before you fly. Start the process at least a month ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Ghana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (at your own cost). Get the shot and carry the certificate with your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Ghanaian embassy or consulate
Find the Ghanaian embassy or consulate responsible for your area in Sweden (usually in Stockholm). Call or check their website to confirm exact requirements, fees, and whether you need to apply in person or can submit by mail.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, completed form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy may keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application at the embassy or consulate, either in person or by mail as instructed. Pay the visa fee at that time. You may be asked to attend an interview, though this is not always required.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak periods. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker, or have it mailed back. Verify the visa details (dates, validity) are correct before you travel.
6
Arrive in Ghana and go through immigration
At Kotoka International Airport in Accra, join the 'Visas' queue. Have your passport, visa, and possibly proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may ask about your stay — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx. GHS 1,200)

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

Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$150 (approx. GHS 1,800)

Requires admission letter from accredited Ghanaian institution and proof of funds.

Work permit / Residence visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$200 (approx. GHS 2,400)

Requires job offer and approval from Ghana Immigration Service; employer usually sponsors.

work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study (up to 4 years)
~200 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Ghana. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Fee varies by nationality and duration; check with Ghana Immigration Service.$60 (approx. GHS 720)
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 60 days)Fee varies; longer stays require additional justification.$100 (approx. GHS 1,200)
Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra before current visa expires.$50 (approx. GHS 600)
Exit fee (departure tax)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate payment at airport.Included in airline ticket

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

Swedish citizens transiting through Ghana (e.g., at Kotoka International Airport) generally require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, due to security protocols, a transit visa is often required even for airside transit.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders
  • Crew members on duty
  • Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration (but still may need transit visa per Ghanaian regulations)
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)

Health & vaccines for Ghana

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

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travelers; food and water precautions recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

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

Handles extensions for visitors in the Ashanti Region.

Practical information for SE 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 Swedish citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel, from a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can be longer during busy periods. It's best to apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any delays.
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of visa, and are set by the Ghanaian embassy. Contact the embassy in Stockholm for the current fee schedule. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is refused.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Ghana. You'll need to show it at immigration. Make sure you get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate.
No, the visa for Swedish citizens is not extendable. You must leave Ghana before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're transiting through Ghana and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa, but you must stay in the international transit area. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa. Check with your airline and the embassy for specific transit rules.
It depends on the embassy's rules. Some allow applications by mail, while others require an in-person appointment. Contact the Ghanaian embassy in Stockholm to confirm their procedure.

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.