Ghana entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders can enter Ghana without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement has been in place since 2024, making travel straightforward for tourism, business, or visiting family.
Apply for Ghana eVisaOfficial portal: Ghana Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Ghana | Your South African passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ghana does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration officers routinely check this | You need a confirmed onward ticket out of Ghana within 90 days. Officers at Kotoka International Airport ask for this at the visa-free entry counter. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country works if it shows your departure date. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Ghana. Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival. A simple booking.com confirmation with your name and dates is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry cash (USD or Ghanaian cedis) or a bank statement showing at least $500 for a short trip. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. ATMs at Kotoka dispense cedis at fair rates. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Ghana. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport at your own cost or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Keep your passport on you at all times
Police and immigration checks are common in Ghana, especially in Accra and tourist areas. Always carry your passport (or a certified copy) — not having it can lead to fines or detention.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
Most travellers fly into Accra. Follow signs to 'Immigration' after disembarking. There are separate queues for Ghanaian citizens and foreigners — join the foreigner queue.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation booking). The officer will check your passport validity and ask a few questions — purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit. Check the stamp says '90 days' before walking away. If it shows a shorter period, ask for correction immediately.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then go through customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods worth over $500 or restricted items.
Download Ghana Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For those who prefer a visa in advance or need to stay longer than 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship from a Ghanaian entity or institution.
work visa
Ghana Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals employed by a Ghanaian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ghana Immigration Service.
student visa
Ghana Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Ghana. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Ghana Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Ghana (typically $100,000+). Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; exact amount may vary. Avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
South African passport holders transiting through Ghana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside 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; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if travelling from an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Ghana, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Dengue fever occurs, particularly during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Outbreaks occur sporadically; practice safe food and water precautions.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural 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
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 permits for visitors in the Ashanti Region.
Practical information for ZA 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-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Ghana before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa or residence permit from the Ghana Immigration Service before your 90 days expire.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family only. You cannot take paid employment or start a business. For work, you need a work permit and residence visa.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll face a fine of about $200–$500, possible detention, and a ban from re-entering Ghana for up to 2 years. Always leave on time or apply for an extension before your 90 days expire.
No, there's no police registration requirement for South African visitors staying under 90 days. Just keep your passport with you at all times — police checks do happen.
Yes, you can enter by land from Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, or Burkina Faso. The same visa-free rules apply — 90 days. Border crossings are generally straightforward, but expect longer queues and more document checks than at the airport.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
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.