Permits and Visas

GENERAL INFORMATION ON GHANA’S VISAS

Ghana’s Visa is basically an authorization given to enable a person to travel and present himself for entry into Ghana. It has to be noted that a Visa is not a guarantee of entry into Ghana since it is subject to regularization and the fulfillment of other conditions at the point of entry.

The visa policy seeks to facilitate and regulate the entry of visa nationals in order to determine their eligibility to enter the country under the Immigration laws before they set out. Moreover, it is to effect a pre-entry check in order to identify and prevent from travelling to Ghana, people likely to pose a threat to national security and / or to engage in activities that contravene the laws of the country.

The two main legislations which govern the country’s visa regime are the IMMIGRATION ACT, 2000, [Act 573] and IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS, 2001, [L.I 1691].

It’s important to note that, a person other than a citizen of Ghana entering Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or other travel document and a valid visa [where necessary] to enter Ghana.

Where a person who appears before an Immigration officer and does not have a visa or an emergency entry visa may be granted a visa subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by Regulations; and to such other conditions that the Immigration officer may impose.

Some countries in West Africa [ECOWAS member states] and some other countries in Africa are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering Ghana. Nationals from African Union member states who are not ECOWAS nationals may obtain a visa on arrival after the payment of the required fees. Similarly, holders of diplomatic/Service passports of selected countries, persons in direct airside transit, as well as holders of official passports of some specialized agencies listed in the Visa Regime of Ghana are exempt from obtaining a visa.

Moreover, there are two broad categories of Ghana Visas; those issued outside Ghana and those issued in Ghana. Visas issued in any of Ghana’s 56 Diplomatic Missions abroad cover single or multiple journeys for periods between Six months

to Five years.

Visas issued in Ghana, on the other hand, include Transit Visas, Emergency Entry Visas, Visas on Arrival and Re-Entry Visas.

REQUIREMENT WHEN APPLYING FOR GHANA ENTRY VISA

• Applicants should be legally resident in the country where
  Ghana’s Mission is sited
• Applicant’s passport photographs should have been taken not more than three months prior to the date of submission.
• Applicant should attach a copy of a return ticket or print-out of travelitinerary
• An international certificate of vaccination for Yellow Fever
• Applicant’s passport must have validity of at least six (6)
• months

Additional information:

BUSINESS VISAS: In addition to the above, a letter from the applicant’s organization in the country where mission is situated, stating among other things the reasons for the visit and a supporting /invitation letter from the applicant’s Business Associates in Ghana.

STUDY VISAS: In addition to the above, a letter from the institution in the country where mission is situated, stating the purpose of the visit and financial means whilst in Ghana. A letter of acceptance from the institution in Ghana is also required.

EMPLOYMENT VISAS: Applicants for employment visas are required to submit in addition to their form an Employment Contract and a proof of

Grant of Employment Quota in Ghana.

REFERENCES: Applicant could use any of the following as a reference;

• Addresses of Business Associates
• Address of Hotel/Lodge

Educational Institution in Ghana

PART |-ENTRY AND DEPARTURE

Section 1-Disembarkation.