Ghana entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter Ghana. The online application through the official Ghana eVisa system is straightforward, with standard processing in 96 hours for $260 USD. If you're in a hurry, the express option costs $442 USD and processes in 5 hours. Apply early to avoid the express fee.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana e-VisaUS citizens need a visa to enter Ghana; you must apply online before your trip. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-Visa before arriving in Ghana. Apply at the official Ghana e-Visa portal (https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/). Standard processing costs $260 USD (96-hour processing); express costs $442 USD (5-hour processing). | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Ghana. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesGhana immigration will stamp your passport; you need a blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration officers often require evidence of your departure plans. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Ghana before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof of funds can help avoid issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your stay in Ghana. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGhana enforces yellow fever vaccination; carry your certificate to show at border control. Required for entry | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Ghana. This is a mandatory health requirement. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an online arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Ghana. | Not required |
Apply early — don't rely on the 96-hour promise
While the standard processing is quoted as 96 hours, it can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid needing the expensive express option.
No visa, no boarding
Airlines will not let you board without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival for US citizens. Print your eVisa and keep it with your passport.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate with you. Immigration officers at Kotoka International Airport will ask for it. If you don't have it, you may be turned away or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/ and fill out the application. Have your passport, photo, and flight details ready. Double-check your name and passport number — mistakes cause delays.
2
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the $260 standard fee (96-hour processing) or $442 express (5-hour). You'll receive an email confirmation. Standard processing usually takes 2-4 business days, but can stretch longer during peak times.
3
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa attached. Print a copy — you'll need it to board and to show at immigration. Also save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
At Accra's airport, head to the immigration desks. Have your passport, printed eVisa, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue — it moves quickly but can be busy.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
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
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company and proof of business purpose.
Business visa (single entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200
Requires invitation letter and additional documentation.
Multiple entry visa (6 months)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$250
For frequent travelers; requires proof of previous visits or business ties.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (processing fee) + 200 USD (residence permit)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~150 USD (visa fee) + 100 USD (residence permit)
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
retirement visa
Ghana Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~300 USD (processing fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, EUR) or by credit card at Kotoka International Airport. | $150 |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 60 days)Available at Kotoka International Airport only. | $200 |
| Visa extension (per month, up to 2 months)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service HQ in Accra before current visa expires. | $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate departure tax; airport taxes are included in ticket price. | 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
No transit visa needed
US citizens transiting through Ghana (Kotoka International Airport) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa in advance.
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 at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
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 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 CT 1050, Cantonments, 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 US 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
The standard processing time is 96 hours (about 4 business days) and costs $260 USD. If you need it faster, the express option processes in 5 hours and costs $442 USD. Apply well before your trip to avoid stress.
No, US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
The standard Ghana eVisa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Ghana, you'll need to apply for a new visa. Check your approval letter for the exact terms.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Ghana. If it's close, renew it before applying for the eVisa. The eVisa is linked to your passport number, so a new passport means a new application.
Yes, Ghana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
If rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include incorrect passport details, poor photo quality, or missing information. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Double-check everything before submitting.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.