FAQs

This is an official endorsement made in a passport showing that it has been examined and the bearer is permitted to proceed. A visa includes a permit and a re-entry visa

What are the most popular types of visas that may be issued to foreign nationals?

Diplomatic Visa: Diplomatic visas are issued to members of the diplomatic or consular services of a foreign country who are duly accredited to Ghana by the government of the country concerned. These include Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Public Ministers, Career Diplomats or Consular Officers etc Officials of international organizations who are entitled to diplomatic privileges by, or under the provisions of any enactment, such as the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, World Bank Officials on official duty of assignment in Ghana. Members of the immediate families of these categories are also granted diplomatic visas. These are coded as A1, A2., A3 and are issued gratis. Ordinary Visas: These are issued to several sub-categories of visitors on business, tourism or holidays, temporary employment, transit etc. These are coded to determine the type of nature of visit. The most common ones are: B-1- Business Visa B-2-Holiday/Tourist Visa C-1; C-2- Transit Visa D- Crew Visa

What is an entry visa?

A document issued by a Ghanaian Consulate that allows entry into Ghana by foreigners who wish or desire to enter, or transit through Ghana’s territory

Are you exempted from obtaining an Entry Visa?

The following category of foreigners will not require visas ECOWAS Citizens

The Republic of Benin
The Republic of Guinea
Burkina Faso
The Republic of Cote D’Ivoire
The Republic of Mali
The Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Republic of Togo
Sierra Leone
The Republic of Senegal
The Republic of Niger
The Republic of Liberia
The Republic of Cape Verde
The Republic of Guinea Bissau
The Republic of Gambia

Nationals of the following commonwealth Countries, East an d Southern African Countries

Botswana
Lesotho
Malawi
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda
Zimbabwe
Egypt
Kenya
Singapore
Trinidad and Tobago

Holders of Diplomatic Passport/Service Passport of the following countries (for a period not exceeding 3 months)

Brazil
Cuba
Germany
Iran
Hong Kong

Holders of Official Passport of African Union, Regional Economic Communities in Africa, United Nation and its Specialized Agencies

The World Bank
Africa Development Bank
IMF
WFP

What activity can I perform on a Business Visa?

Permitted activities include undertaking business meetings and conferences. It may also cover short training programs, installation, and urgent repair of equipment for very brief periods.

Can I apply to extend my visa in country?

A visitor is usually granted a period of up to 60 days stay on arrival at the port of entry. The permit may be extended on application to the Director of Immigration in-country

What are the main categories of work permit available in Ghana?

Traditionally, there are two main types of work permits available in Ghana namely:

Short Term work permit valid for six months
Long term work permits valid for one year (renewable)

Which Institutions are responsible for issuing work permits?

Foreign nationals wishing to work in Ghana may obtain a work permit upon application to the Ghana Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior. Companies registered under the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) regime may be eligible to obtain automatic immigrant quotas from the GIPC. There may be a need for companies in various sectors to additionally comply with regulations of their sectors with respect to obtaining work permits. These sectors include the Petroleum Commission, Minerals Commission, Ghana Free Zones Authority, National Communication Authority among others.

Can I obtain an Emergency Visa on Arrival (EV)?

The main qualifying criterion for this visa is the unavailability of a Ghanaian consulate at the country of departure. In addition, in cases where it becomes practically impossible due to the urgency of a trip to visit the nearest Ghanaian consulate, an applicant may request for an EV. The application is made in-country to the Comptroller General of Immigration.

Except for members of the African Union (AU), who do not require preapproval prior to travel, all other nationals are required to obtain the in-country approval prior to departure from the country of origin. The EV would be issued in the passports of the travelers once they arrive at the port of entry ion Ghana.

What options do I have for permanent residency?

One may be eligible for indefinite residence permit once all eligibility requirements contained in the law are met.

Are there penalties for working illegally in Ghana?

Yes, the law provides for pecuniary fines and in certain circumstances a person may be deported.

What is an Immigration Annual Return?

This document is required to be filed annually by the company detailing the foreign employees in their employment as at the beginning of each year