Ghana entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any port of entry in Ghana. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or short business trips in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
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 single-entry visa fee, plus a passport photo. 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 Dutch passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Ghana. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately — Ghanaian immigration sometimes asks for it during entry processing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers at Kotoka will ask for a printed or digital return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in — if you don't have one, they may deny boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Mandatory for all travellers aged 9 months and older | You must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing you received the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry — this is strictly enforced at Kotoka. | Required |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP in small denominations. The exact amount varies, so have around $200 ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation 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, and where you're staying. Fill it in while you wait.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). The officer will issue a receipt. Keep it with your passport.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa on arrival sticker. Check that the dates and duration are correct before you walk away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's usually a quick bag scan. Then you're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Apply at Ghana embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or institution.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1000 USD (approx. 1000 USD)
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at the airport in cash (USD or local currency). | 100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply online or at embassy before travel. | 60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period. | 100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | 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
Netherlands passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Ghanaian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. 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.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for NL 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official ports of entry, including land borders like Aflao (from Togo) and Elubo (from Côte d'Ivoire). The process is the same as at the airport — just have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Immigration may deny you entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country just in case.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP — they won't accept Ghanaian cedis at the counter. Have small bills to avoid change issues.
Yes, Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra. The process takes a few days and costs around 200–300 GHS. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a reason for the extension.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined per day over your allowed stay, and in extreme cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entering Ghana. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
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.