Ghana entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed October 5, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · October 5, 2026
Visa on arrivaleVisa or visa on arrival
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
eVisa or 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
UAE passport holders can get a visa for Ghana either online before travel or on arrival at the airport. The eVisa route is the safer bet — apply through Ghana Immigration Service's portal at visa.ghanaimmigration.gov.gh before you fly, and you'll clear immigration faster when you land in Accra.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee in cash (USD or GHS) ready — the visa costs $150 USD for single entry. The process takes about 15-30 minutes at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kotoka routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Ghana will not let you in without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the jab at least 10 days before travel and carry the original certificate — not a photocopy.
eVisa is faster than visa on arrival
Applying online at visa.ghanaimmigration.gov.gh before you fly means you skip the on-arrival visa queue at Kotoka International Airport. Print your approval — don't rely on your phone.
Passport validity matters
Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Ghana. Check this before booking flights — renewals take time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://visa.ghanaimmigration.gov.gh/ and complete the application. Upload a passport photo, your passport bio page, and your flight details. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes a few business days, so apply at least a week before you fly.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, print the eVisa confirmation. Don't rely on your phone — airport Wi-Fi in Accra can be unreliable and officers want paper. Keep it with your passport.
3
Fill in the arrival form on the plane
You'll get a Ghana immigration arrival card before landing. Fill it in with your flight number, hotel address, and purpose of visit. Have a pen — they don't always have spares.
4
Go through immigration at Kotoka International Airport
Join the 'Visas on Arrival / eVisa' queue if you have an eVisa, or the 'Visa on Arrival' desk if you're paying there. Show your passport, eVisa printout, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, grab your luggage from the carousel and head through customs. If you're carrying anything to declare, use the red channel. Otherwise, walk through green.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated October 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Apply at Ghanaian embassy/consulate before travel. Requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Suitable for frequent travellers.
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 program
~150 USD (application fee)
For international students enrolled at a recognized Ghanaian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Offers residency and business benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival. Valid for single entry. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. No maximum cap specified. | 20 USD per day (20 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water practices.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. 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
P.O. Box CT 1051, Cantonments, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Ashanti Regional Office
Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in central Ghana.
Practical information for AE 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
Yes. UAE passport holders need a visa for Ghana. You can either apply for an eVisa online before you travel or get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The eVisa is the smoother option — you avoid the on-arrival queue and the risk of the desk being unstaffed.
Go to https://visa.ghanaimmigration.gov.gh/ and fill in the online application. You'll need a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and your flight details. Pay the fee online and wait for approval — usually a few business days. Print the approval and bring it with you.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Kotoka International Airport. You'll pay the fee in cash (USD or GHS) at the visa desk before immigration. It works, but you'll queue longer and you need exact cash — the eVisa is more reliable.
The standard tourist visa or eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you'd have to apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service office in Accra — but extensions aren't guaranteed, so plan your trip within the initial window.
Yes. Ghana requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travellers. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you fly so the certificate is valid. You'll be asked for it at the airport — no certificate, no entry.
Your UAE passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval or cash for on-arrival visa, yellow fever certificate, return or onward ticket, and hotel booking or host address. Keep everything in your hand luggage — you'll need it before you collect your bags.
The standard eVisa is typically single-entry. If you're planning to leave Ghana and come back — for example, a side trip to Togo or Ivory Coast — apply for a multiple-entry visa instead, or be prepared to get a new visa each time you re-enter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on October 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.