Ghana entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghana's international airports. No advance application needed — just bring your passport and required documents. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you must have a few things ready before landing.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee (valid for 30 days). You'll fill out a form at the visa desk before the immigration counters — bring a pen and a passport photo.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Canadian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Ghana. Airlines check this at check-in — if you're under 6 months, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Kotoka will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Immigration may ask for it during the visa on arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card showing available balance. Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or euros in good condition. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the cash before you get through. Don't rely on credit cards.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and pay a fee).
What happens at the border
1
Land at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete at the counter. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Pen is provided.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee is typically around $150 USD (or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis). Cash is preferred — bring USD or euros in good condition. Credit cards are not always accepted.
4
Get your visa sticker and entry stamp
The officer will affix a visa sticker to a blank page in your passport, stamp it, and hand it back. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes if there's no queue.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage, then walk through customs. You may be asked to open bags — be polite and cooperative.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Apply at Ghana embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$300 USD (approx. $300 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit and Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee + processing
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company or with a job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study (typically 1–4 years)
~$150 USD application fee
For those enrolled in accredited Ghanaian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 USD in Ghana. Provides residency and business benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport upon arrival. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | GHS 500 (approx. $43 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed and must be applied for before expiry. | GHS 1,000 (approx. $86 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Ghana (e.g., at Kotoka International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa on arrival or regular visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow Fever (if not already required)EssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis strongly recommended, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, with highest risk 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 CA 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 = 11.44 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 typically around $150 USD (or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis). Bring cash in good condition — USD or euros are preferred. Credit cards are not always accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
The exact duration is determined at the border, but it's typically 30 days. The officer will stamp your passport with the allowed stay period. Make sure you check before leaving the counter.
You will be denied entry. Ghana strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
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 in advance from a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.
Immigration will likely deny you entry. They want proof that you plan to leave. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.