Ghana entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Ghana. Show up at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and get your visa stamped right there. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Bring $150 USD in cash for a single-entry visa (valid 30 days) or $200 USD for multiple entries. Have two passport-size photos and your hotel booking ready — the visa officer will ask for both.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ghana. Airlines at Fiumicino and Malpensa check this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Kotoka Airport always asks for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Air Italy and Ethiopian Airlines check this at check-in too. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have your hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration officers at Kotoka often ask for it during visa-on-arrival processing. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see proof you can cover your stay. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Accra. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). No cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be rejected. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel and carry your yellow card with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. You'll see a dedicated counter before the main passport control line.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Pick up a form at the counter or from the airline crew. Fill in your details: passport info, flight number, hotel address, and purpose of visit.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photos, and cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. This usually takes 10-20 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked about your stay and return ticket.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over $500 or restricted items.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Apply online; faster processing than VoA.
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 travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost300 USD (300 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Ghanaian entity.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~200 USD (200 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (1,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at the airport upon arrival. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Obtained online before travel; may be cheaper than VoA. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 500 USD; pay at immigration office before departure. | 20 USD per day (20 USD per day) |
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
Italian passport holders transiting through Ghana do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC) · Kumasi Airport (KMS)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Ghana, including urban 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
Handles extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Regional office for visa extensions.
Practical information for IT 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 standard single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs about $150 USD. You can also pay in euros or pounds sterling. Make sure the bills are crisp and new — old or damaged notes may be refused.
No, 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 travellers over 9 months old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. At land borders, the process may be less reliable. If you plan to enter by road, it's safer to get an e-visa or visa from a Ghanaian embassy beforehand.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. ATMs at the airport may not work, so bring enough cash in USD, EUR, or GBP.
Usually 10-20 minutes at the counter, but during peak hours (evening arrivals from Europe) it can take up to an hour. Factor this into your plans if you have a connecting flight.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed visa application form, two passport photos, proof of return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have your yellow fever card ready too.
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.