Ghana eVisa: how to apply online

The portal first runs an eligibility check by nationality and passport type. It returns one of three results: Visa-Free (for example ECOWAS and AES nationals), ETA Required (African Union states, ECOWAS states and countries with a bilateral visa waiver) or eVisa Required. Only the last group applies for the paid eVisa. GIS warns that nationality alone may not settle the route, so run the checker before you book.

Two eVisa types exist. The B2 tourist visa covers holidays and other non-business visits; the B1 business visa covers meetings, commercial visits and other permitted business activities. Ghana currently issues single-entry eVisas only. Travellers who need several entries can instead ask a Ghana mission abroad for a multiple-entry visa.

Every applicant needs a passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure from Ghana with at least three blank pages, a colour photograph about 3.5 by 4.5 cm taken within six months on a plain light background, a confirmed return or onward itinerary, proof of accommodation covering the whole stay and an active email address. Tourist applicants add proof of funds, such as a bank or credit card statement for the last three months.

If you stay with a host, a Ghanaian host provides a signed invitation letter, a Ghana Card or passport biodata page and a full residential address; a foreign resident host also provides a valid Ghana residence permit. Every signed letter must come with the signatory's identification. Business applicants add the company invitation, certified registration documents and the company's tax clearance certificate. Accommodation evidence that covers only part of the trip is not accepted.

The fee is a flat rate that does not depend on nationality: USD 260 for standard processing within 96 hours, USD 338 for priority within 48 hours and USD 442 for express within five hours. The documents are the same for all tiers. Pay with one of the providers shown on the portal; do not try more than three times, and after three failed attempts wait 24 to 48 hours. If money is debited but the application still shows unpaid, contact support instead of paying again. Fees are generally non-refundable, except as the official terms provide for system errors or duplicate payments.

Once submitted, an application cannot be edited or withdrawn. If an officer needs more evidence, a request for information (RFI) appears in your dashboard; you have three days to answer, and processing pauses until you do. Mistakes such as a wrong passport number are corrected through a support request, not a new application.

An approved eVisa is emailed to you. If the application is refused, the reasons are emailed and you can appeal once from the dashboard, explaining your grounds in at least 50 characters and attaching up to three files of 10 MB each. A senior officer who did not make the first decision decides the appeal; a successful appeal sends the file back for a new assessment rather than granting the visa outright.

Check that the name and passport details on the eVisa match your passport, carry a digital and a printed copy, and travel with the passport you used to apply. A yellow fever certificate is required and may be checked at the port of entry. Approval does not guarantee admission; the officer decides and sets your stay, up to 60 days. Plan the application so that the trip falls within the 90-day validity.