Ghana visa on arrival (Emergency Entry Visa)

GIS states that where a person appears before an immigration officer without a visa, an Emergency Entry Visa or visa on arrival may be granted subject to the conditions in the regulations and any conditions the officer imposes. In its guidance GIS explains that the route suits travellers from countries without a Ghanaian embassy or consulate, people who must travel at short notice for business, a conference, emergency work or family matters, and visitors whose trip is supported by an individual or organisation in Ghana that can apply for them.

GIS stresses that approval must now be obtained before boarding. Travellers who arrive without it may be refused boarding by the airline or refused entry. Where a Ghana mission or the eVisa is available, the EEV is mainly relevant for genuinely urgent trips.

The host writes to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Ghana Immigration Service, Accra, stating the country the visitor is coming from, the date of arrival, the length of stay, the purpose of the visit, the travel itinerary and the place of lodging.

For an application by a business, the letter is accompanied by the company's certificate to commence business, certificate of incorporation, company code and tax clearance certificate, and the biodata pages of both the host signatory and the visitor. For a personal application, attach a bank statement, the biodata pages of the host and the visitor, the flight itinerary and the visitor's hotel reservation. GIS guidance also asks for proof of funds, a yellow fever certificate and, for business visits, an invitation on company letterhead with contact details.

The L.I. 2512 schedule lists the EEV permit or emergency visa at USD 200 for nationals outside ECOWAS and for Ghanaians with foreign passports, and USD 300 under the premium express service for visa on arrival. GIS guidance says the host pays directly to GIS when submitting the application. Processing times vary between GIS documents: its FAQ says an emergency visa is issued within 48 hours, the 2022 client service charter gives three days and its visa-on-arrival guide mentions three to five working days. Apply as early as possible.

The host submits the letter and documents to GIS headquarters on Independence Avenue in Accra; requests are handled there or at Kotoka International Airport. If GIS approves, it issues an approval letter and informs the immigration officers at Kotoka. You show the approval at check-in and again on arrival, together with your passport, yellow fever card and return ticket, complete the visa form and receive a single-entry visa for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, apply to GIS before it expires.

GIS notes that the visa on arrival is not guaranteed and that entry may be refused if requirements are not met. The most common problems it lists are travelling without the official approval letter, failing to present the yellow fever card and incomplete documents. Carry paper copies of the approval, accommodation proof and invitation.