Ghana e-Visa Application and Photo

On May 25, 2026, Ghana introduced an e-Visa system that allows eligible travelers to complete the visa process online before departure. Applicants must provide accurate documentation and a photo that complies with official biometric standards.

Read this article to learn about the entire Ghana visa application process online, including the required documents, fees, and photo requirements.

Table of contents

• Ghana visa policy and updates
• Who needs a visa for Ghana?
• Types and validity of Ghana e-Visas
• Documents required for Ghana e-Visa application
• Ghana visa photo requirements
• Get a Ghana visa photo online!
• How to apply for a Ghana visa online: step-by-step guide
• Ghana e-Visa fees
• Ghana e-Visa processing time
• FAQ

Ghana visa policy and updates

Ghana has modernized its visa system with the introduction of an official e-Visa platform. The new system allows eligible travelers to complete the entire visa process online and includes a major policy change for African passport holders.

Key visa policy updates in 2026

• Official e-Visa platform introduced: Ghana has launched its first fully digital visa platform, allowing travelers to submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, and receive visa approvals online. Citizens of over 190 countries are now eligible for a Ghana e-Visa, eliminating the need to visit a Ghanaian embassy or consulate in person.
• Ghana Visa-on-Arrival no longer available for African travelers: The former visa-on-arrival scheme for African nationals has been replaced by the e-Visa system. Eligible travelers must now apply online before departure.
• Visa fees removed for African passport holders: Since May 25, 2026, African passport holders traveling to Ghana for tourism or business purposes have been exempt from visa fees when applying through the official e-Visa portal. The measure was introduced by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as part of efforts to strengthen mobility across Africa and support the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063.

General visa requirements

The following rules apply to most travelers entering Ghana:

• Travelers who are not citizens of ECOWAS member states or another visa-exempt country must obtain a visa through the e-Visa portal before travel.
• Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry.
• All travelers aged nine months and older must carry a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate when entering or transiting through Ghana.

Who needs a visa for Ghana?

Whether you need a visa for Ghana depends mainly on your nationality. While some travelers can enter visa-free, most foreign nationals must obtain travel authorization before departure.

Who does NOT need a visa

You can enter Ghana without a visa if you belong to one of the following groups:

• ECOWAS citizens: Nationals of all member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) can stay in Ghana for up to 90 days without a visa. This includes citizens of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
• Citizens of selected countries (visa-free for up to 60 days): Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
• Diplomatic and official passport holders: Nationals of Brazil, Cuba, Iran, Hong Kong, and Germany holding diplomatic, official, or service passports may enter Ghana without a visa.

For the latest exemptions, check the official Ghana Immigration Service website.

Who NEEDS a visa

All other foreign nationals must obtain a visa before traveling to Ghana. This includes:

• Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most European countries.
• Citizens of Australia, most Asian countries, and many other non-African states.
• African Union citizens who are not ECOWAS nationals. These travelers must apply through Ghana's e-Visa platform before departure. Tourist and business applicants benefit from a visa-fee exemption, but the application and security screening requirements still apply.

Types and validity of Ghana e-Visas

Ghana issues different visa categories based on the purpose of travel. Here you'll find out which Ghana e-Visa options are currently available and how long they remain valid.

At present, the public e-Visa portal accepts applications for the following categories:

• Tourist e-Visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, and visits to family or friends.
• Business e-Visa: For business meetings, conferences, and other commercial activities that do not involve employment in Ghana.

The Ghana Immigration Service also offers other e-visa categories, including transit, student, work, and re-entry visas. However, these categories are not currently listed as standard application options on the public Ghana digital visa portal.

In most cases, a Ghana e-Visa remains valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Depending on the visa type and the applicant's circumstances, travelers may receive either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The permitted length of stay is generally 30 days or 90 days, as specified in the approved visa.

Documents required for Ghana e-Visa application

When applying for a Ghana e-Visa, you will typically be asked to provide proof of identity, travel plans, and other information confirming the purpose of your visit.

Core documents for all applicants

Most Ghana e-Visa applications require the following:

• Valid passport: Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Ghana.
• Passport information page: A clear color scan of the page showing your photo, passport number, and personal details.
• Recent passport-style photo: A color photo that meets Ghana's visa photo requirements.
• Travel itinerary: Evidence of your travel arrangements, such as a flight reservation or confirmed return ticket.
• Accommodation details: A hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in Ghana stating where you will stay.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: Required for all travelers aged nine months and older.

Additional documents based on visa type

You may need to provide extra supporting documents depending on the purpose of your trip:

• Tourist visa: Applicants are often required to submit an invitation letter from a host, sponsor, or contact person in Ghana. The letter should include the host's full name, address, and contact information.
• Business visa: Business travelers must provide an invitation letter from a company, organization, or business partner in Ghana. In some cases, authorities may also request proof that the host company is legally registered.
• Proof of financial means: Applicants may be asked to submit recent bank statements or other financial documents showing they can cover the costs of their stay.
• Documents for minors: Children under 18 generally need a signed parental consent form in addition to the standard application documents.

Important: Make sure that all documents and photos uploaded to the portal are clear and meet its technical specifications (e.g., JPG or PNG format).

Do I need a Ghana visa pre-approval letter? In most cases, no. Applicants using the e-Visa platform do not need a separate pre-approval letter. The online system combines the application and approval process into a single procedure. However, pre-approval may still apply in specific situations outside the standard e-Visa framework. In such cases, a sponsor, host, or organization in Ghana must obtain authorization from the Ghana Immigration Service before the traveler enters the country.

Ghana visa photo requirements

While the basic photo rules remain the same, the required dimensions may vary depending on whether you submit a digital or printed photo.

• Digital photo requirements for the e-Visa portal: a digital image must measure 35 × 45 mm. Accepted file formats are JPG and PNG under 2MB.
• Printed photo requirements: If you are submitting a physical photo, the exact Ghana visa photo size varies between 35 × 45 mm and 2 × 2 inches (approx. 51 × 51 mm) depending on the consulate.
• Look directly at the camera with your face fully visible and centered in the frame.
• Keep a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
• Use a recent photo taken within the last 3–6 months.
• Take the photo against a plain white background.
• Do not wear glasses unless they are medically necessary.
• Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons and must not obscure facial features.

Here is an example of a Ghana visa photo:

Get a Ghana visa photo online!

With Visafoto, a trusted online photo editing service, there's no need to visit a photo studio to get a high-quality photo for your documents. It only takes two simple steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in natural light to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Select the country and document type (e.g., Ghana, visa).

That's all you need to do! Visafoto automatically adjusts your image to match official Ghana visa photo specifications, including image size, background color, head position, and overall composition. You receive both a digital file for online submission and a printable version.

The service can also improve image quality when necessary. It can correct lighting, enhance sharpness, increase resolution, and adjust framing. If you already have a printed passport photo, simply take a picture of it with your phone, and Visafoto will optimize the scan quality. If your uploaded photo already meets the required standards, no unnecessary adjustments will be made.

Example of the original photo:

Result after Visafoto processing:

Visafoto has helped users obtain more than 1,000,000 approved document photos and maintains a 99.7% acceptance rate. If your photo is rejected, you receive a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7 whenever you need assistance.

How to apply for a Ghana visa online: step-by-step guide

The online application process allows travelers to complete most visa formalities electronically before departure. Following each step carefully helps prevent errors and speeds up the review of your application. Below, we explain how to submit a Ghana e-Visa application correctly.

1. Visit the official Ghana e-Visa portal and check whether your nationality is eligible for online application.
2. Select "Apply for Visa" and create an account. Enter your first name, last name, email address, nationality, and password. After registration, verify your email address and sign in to your account.
3. Choose the visa category that matches your travel purpose and upload the required supporting documents.
4. Pay the visa fee online. African passport holders applying for tourist or business visas are exempt from visa fees.
5. Review your application and submit it through the portal.
6. Track your application using the reference number provided after submission.
7. Once approved, receive your e-Visa by email. You can present it either electronically or as a printed copy when entering Ghana.

Ghana e-Visa fees

Ghana e-visa costs vary by nationality and processing speed. African passport holders traveling for tourism or business can apply through the e-Visa portal free of charge. Below are the Ghana e-visa prices for other applicants.

• Standard processing:
  • Single-entry e-Visa: $260
  • Multiple-entry e-Visa: $468
• Priority processing (2 days):
  • Single-entry e-Visa: $338
  • Multiple-entry e-Visa: $608
• Express processing (5 hours):
  • Single-entry e-Visa: $442
  • Multiple-entry e-Visa: $796

Ghana e-Visa processing time

The Ghana e-Visa system offers several processing options to suit different travel schedules. Faster processing is available for an additional fee. Here you'll find the current processing times.

• Standard processing: up to 96 hours (4 days).
• Priority processing: up to 48 hours (2 days).
• Express processing: up to 5 hours.

The priority and express options cost more than standard processing. The applicable fees are listed in the section above.

Good luck with your Ghana e-visa application!

FAQ

Can I apply for a Ghana e-Visa without a hotel booking?

It is generally not advisable. Proof of accommodation is a standard application requirement. Your hotel reservation should include your full name and match your travel dates. If you plan to stay with friends or relatives, you can usually provide an invitation letter from your host instead.

Is a return flight ticket mandatory for a Ghana e-Visa application?

Not necessarily. The application allows you to proceed without a confirmed ticket. However, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel when you arrive in Ghana. Having this documentation helps avoid entry-related issues.

Can I enter Ghana if my passport expires in 5 months?

No. Ghana requires your passport to remain valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry. Passports with a shorter validity period do not meet the entry requirements.

Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination for Ghana e-Visa approval or only at the border?

You need it for both. It is listed as a mandatory document to submit with your application. Your application will not be processed without a scanned copy of the certificate, which you must also present when requested by border authorities.

Important: The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Plan ahead and get vaccinated well before submitting your application.

Can I get a Ghana e-Visa urgently in less than 24 hours?

Yes. Ghana offers an express processing option with a target turnaround time of approximately five hours. This service carries a higher fee at around $442.

Why is my Ghana e-Visa application pending for more than 96 hours?

Although the standard processing time for an e-Visa application is 48 to 96 hours, delays may occur for various reasons. If your application is still pending after 10 days, contact the Ghana Immigration Service at accra@gis.gov.gh or +233 (0)302 224 445, or reach out to the official e-Visa support channel directly. Also, check your email for notifications requesting additional documents.

Can I extend my Ghana e-Visa after arriving in the country?

Yes. If you need to remain in Ghana beyond your authorized stay, you can apply for an extension through the Ghana Immigration Service before your current permission expires. The extension applies to your permitted stay, not to the e-Visa itself.

Can I change travel dates after Ghana e-Visa approval?

Usually not. Once issued, an e-Visa cannot easily be amended. However, Ghana e-Visas are typically valid for several months from the date of issue, giving travelers some flexibility to adjust their travel schedule within the validity period.