Ghana entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghanaian airports and land borders. You pay the fee at the immigration counter and receive your visa on the spot. As of 2026, this option is available for tourism, business, and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the ATM inside the airport sometimes runs out of cash. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ghana | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Ghana. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers at Kotoka ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — showing it on your phone works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, not having it can delay your entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of funds, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP. No credit cards, no local currency. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination card. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (at your own expense).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
After landing at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. You'll then proceed to passport control for entry stamping. Keep the visa safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Apply online; requires passport, photo, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; same application process.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost500 USD (500 USD)
Requires sponsor letter and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (500 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (1,000 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration. Grants residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| 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)Apply online via Ghana Immigration Service portal. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Available for frequent travellers; apply online. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties or bans. | 20 USD per day (20 USD per day) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Possible at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters; limited to 30-day extension. | 50 USD (50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
German passport holders transiting through Kotoka International Airport (Accra) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required if leaving the airport or staying overnight in some cases.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or with a travel history to such areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all regions, especially rural areas. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for DE 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 $100 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) for a single-entry visa. Always carry cash in one of these currencies — no cards accepted.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
The standard stay is 30 days. The exact duration will be written on your visa sticker. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Yes. All travelers must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (at your own cost).
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, not just airports. The process is similar — have your documents and cash ready.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely check for onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, Ghana offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but German citizens can use the visa on arrival. If you prefer to apply in advance, check the official Ghana e-visa portal — processing takes 3-5 business days.
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.