Ghana entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Ghana's international airports. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $150. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Have $150 USD in cash for the single-entry visa fee (valid for 60 days). You'll need a passport photo and your return ticket details ready at the visa desk.Check GIS portal | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ghana. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed onward or return flight booking | Immigration officers at Kotoka routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Ghana. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival desk, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, credit card, or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card with available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but the visa-on-arrival officer may request proof you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow Fever Certificate Required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport for a fee.
Cash Only for Visa Fee
The $150 visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or GHS). No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills — old or torn notes may be rejected.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. This is before the main passport control queue. You'll see a dedicated counter.
2
Submit Documents and Pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the $150 fee in cash (USD or GHS). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive Visa and Proceed to Passport Control
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Then go to the regular passport control line for entry stamping. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost60 USD (60 USD)
Apply at Ghana embassy or online. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Requires embassy application. Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
For business or frequent visitors. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~500 USD (processing fee) + 200 USD (residence permit)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires job offer and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~150 USD (visa fee) + 100 USD (residence permit)
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 (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Ghana. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
retirement visa
Ghana Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~300 USD (processing fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at airport immigration. | 150 USD (150 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 60 days)Available at Kotoka International Airport. | 200 USD (200 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply at Ghana embassy or online before travel. | 60 USD (60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)Requires embassy application. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of 500 USD. | 20 USD (20 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra. | 50 USD (50 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
US passport holders transiting through Ghana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsKotoka International Airport (ACC)
Health & vaccines for Ghana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, especially in rural areas. 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
P.O. Box CT 1050, Cantonments, 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 re-entry permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for US 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
No, only at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. If you're flying into Kumasi or Tamale, you'll need a visa in advance.
It's valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra for about $20.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No, only cash in USD or Ghanaian cedis. There are ATMs after immigration, but it's safer to bring $150 USD in cash.
Yes, it's mandatory for entry. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra (near the airport) with your passport and the extension fee (about $20).
You'll be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
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.