Ghana entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. Pay the fee in cash (USD or Ghanaian Cedi), present your passport and a return ticket. As of 2026, this is the easiest way to enter Ghana for short stays.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or GHS) — have exact change ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | 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 Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kotoka ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they check this consistently. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel reservation or host's address and phone number ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see you have money to support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Ghanaian Cedi). No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring crisp USD bills to avoid exchange rate issues.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Malaria risk is high
Malaria is present year-round across Ghana. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under bed nets.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The visa desk is before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and hotel address handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay $150 USD in cash (or Ghanaian Cedi). Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker to your passport. Check the validity dates.
5
Proceed to passport control
Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and any other documents requested. Answer questions about your stay.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After stamping, collect your bags from baggage claim and proceed through customs.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Apply at Ghana embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost150 USD (150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Ghanaian company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (application fee + permit)
For those with a job offer in Ghana. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa / Residence Permit
Duration of study (typically 1–4 years)
~200 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at accredited Ghanaian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa / Business Residence Permit
1–5 years, renewable
~1,000 USD (application fee + registration)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in Ghana. Requires business registration, investment proof, and tax clearance. Offers long-term residency and family inclusion.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) at the airport upon arrival. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at Kotoka International Airport; requires prior approval letter from Ghana Immigration Service. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | 20 USD (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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with onward ticket.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (yellow card) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Ghana; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during flooding or poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 fee.
Kumasi
Ghana Immigration Service – Kumasi Regional Office
Adum, Kumasi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visitors in the Ashanti Region; same services as Accra.
Practical information for SA 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
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. If you arrive by land or at another airport, you must get a visa from a Ghanaian embassy before travel.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can apply for a 60-day version at the airport if you have prior approval from Ghana Immigration Service. Extensions are possible at the GIS office in Accra.
Overstaying costs $20 USD per day. There is no maximum cap, so it can add up quickly. Pay the fine at the airport before departure or at a GIS office.
Yes. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters in Accra (Independence Avenue) or a regional office. Bring your passport, visa, and the extension fee. Processing takes a few hours to a day.
No, if you stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you'll need a visa on arrival.
Carry around $500 USD in cash, or a credit card with a visible available limit. A recent bank statement (printed or on your phone) also works. Immigration officers may ask to see it.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Ghana is limited, especially outside Accra. Private clinics can be expensive, and serious cases may require evacuation. Insurance covering medical evacuation is a good idea.
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.