Ghana entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana. You'll handle it at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, and it's valid for up to 30 days. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $100 USD in cash ready for the visa fee, plus a passport-sized photo. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa desk 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 the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kotoka will ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed 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 Financial evidence | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Credit cards are accepted in Accra but cash is king for the visa fee and taxis. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa-on-arrival fee (typically around $150 USD or equivalent in Ghanaian cedis). Cash is preferred — USD, EUR, or GBP accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
An immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. €93)
Apply at Ghana embassy or online. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost200 USD (approx. €186)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Extension possible.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. 300-500 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
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 enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. 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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at Kotoka International Airport. | 150 USD (approx. €140) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained from Ghana embassy or online before travel. | 100 USD (approx. €93) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 6 months. | 200 USD (approx. €186) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | 20 USD per day (max 500 USD) |
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a yellow fever certificate may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Ghana or a residence permit for an ECOWAS country may transit without visa.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Cholera outbreaks occur sporadically, mainly in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for IE 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. You can pay in USD, EUR, or GBP cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the counter, so bring cash.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Ghana within 30 days. If you need to stay longer, apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Ghana requires at least 6 months validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
The visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. If you arrive by land or sea, you must have a visa in advance.
You'll need your passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
It usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on queue length. Have cash and documents ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.