Ghana entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Kotoka International Airport in Accra with the right documents and you'll be issued a visa at the immigration desk. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash for the visa fee — the ATM inside the terminal often runs out of money. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Ghana. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Accra ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Yellow fever vaccination certificate | Ghana requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving passengers. You must show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at the health screening desk before immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or GHS. Cards are not accepted. ATMs are available after immigration but you'll need the cash before that point.
Yellow fever card required
Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Have your yellow card handy — immigration may ask to see it alongside your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After deplaning, follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated desk for visa-on-arrival applicants — usually near the main immigration counters.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa and tell you the fee. Pay in USD or GHS cash. Keep the receipt.
3
Get your visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The officer will affix the visa sticker to a blank page in your passport, stamp it, and hand it back. Then join the main passport control queue for entry stamping.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost60 USD (60 USD)
Apply at Ghanaian embassy before travel. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Good for multiple visits. Must apply in advance.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500–1,000 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~200 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Ghanaian educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–5 years, renewable
~1,000–5,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Includes residency rights and business privileges.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD per day (approx. $20 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
Iceland passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Ghana's international airports, provided they stay in the transit area 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 travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas. Use prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. No specific treatment; prevent mosquito bites.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases with poor sanitation. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
Independence Avenue, Accra
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions in the Ashanti Region. Same requirements as Accra.
Practical information for IS 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 fee is typically around $100–150 USD (or equivalent in GHS). Pay in cash at the immigration desk — no cards accepted. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a bit extra.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel or leave and re-enter.
Yes, Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. Have your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) ready — immigration may ask to see it.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa-on-arrival facility is primarily available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the Ghana Immigration Service before attempting to enter overland.
No, Ghana does not require an electronic arrival declaration for Icelandic passport holders. You'll just fill out the standard paper landing card on the plane.
Immigration will likely deny your visa on arrival. A confirmed onward or return ticket is mandatory. If you're unsure of your plans, book a refundable ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.