Visa on Arrival for Foreign Nationals!

Planning a trip to Ghana? You may not need to apply for a visa in advance anymore! Read our latest guide on the new Ghana visa-on-arrival policy and how White Sand Travel can help make your entry seamless.

Goodbye, Paperwork? Get a Ghana visa on arrival.

The most stressful part of planning a trip to Ghana is the visa process. Between mailing passports, waiting for approval letters, and worrying about timelines, it often felt like the hardest part of the journey happened before you even left home.

But we have fantastic news for adventurers, diaspora travellers, and business travellers alike: Ghana has streamlined its entry process with a visa-on-arrival policy for many foreign nationals.

Here is everything you need to know about getting your visa when you land at Kotoka International Airport (ACC).

What is the visa on arrival?

Simply put, a visa on arrival allows you to obtain your entry visa directly upon landing at the airport in Accra, rather than visiting a Ghanaian embassy or consulate weeks in advance.

This is a game-changer for spontaneous travellers and those in countries without a Ghanaian diplomatic presence.

Who is eligible?

While this is a massive step forward, it’s important to note that the “visa on arrival” is available to travellers who meet specific criteria or hold passports from certain countries.

Generally, it applies to:

Nationals of countries that do not have a Ghanaian Embassy or Consulate.
Members of the diaspora (people of African descent) visiting for tourism, investment, or cultural exchange.
Business travellers attending conferences or urgent meetings.
Tourists arriving as part of a group or with a sponsoring entity.

(Note: ECOWAS citizens do not need a visa to enter Ghana.)

The Step-by-Step Process (What to Expect)

To ensure a smooth arrival at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), here is how the process works:

Step 1: Pre-Arrival Application (The Smart Way)
While it’s called “Visa on Arrival,” we strongly advise against just showing up. To avoid long queues or potential entry issues, you should apply for visa approval before you travel.

You will need a sponsor in Ghana (often your tour operator or hotel).
Your sponsor submits an application to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) headquarters.
Once approved, GIS issues a visa approval letter electronically to your sponsor.

Step 2: Fly to Ghana
Pack your bags! Fly into Kotoka International Airport (ACC) with your printed visa approval letter and your passport (valid for at least 6 months).

Step 3: At the Airport
Upon arrival, proceed to the visa on arrival desk at the airport (usually located before the main immigration counters).

Present your visa approval letter and passport.
Have your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken.
Receive your visa sticker and proceed through immigration.

What are the benefits?

Convenience: No more mailing passports or taking time off work to visit an embassy.
Flexibility: Ideal for last-minute travel plans.
Certainty: The pre-approval letter means you know you have clearance before you even leave home.

Let Us Handle the Details

At White Sand Travel Consult, we want you to focus on the adventure, not the administrative hurdles. Navigating immigration portals and obtaining the “Visa Approval Letter” can be tricky if you aren’t familiar with the process.

When you book your Ghana tour package or business trips with us, we act as your local sponsor. We will handle the submission of your visa on arrival application to the Ghana Immigration Service so that your approval letter is ready and waiting for you before you depart.

Ready to Experience Ghana?

From the vibrant markets of Accra to the serene beaches of the Volta Region and the historic castles of the Cape Coast, Ghana is waiting to welcome you.

Contact us today to start planning your journey. We’ll make sure the only thing you have to worry about is whether you packed enough memory cards for your camera.

Start planning your journey. here

Disclaimer: Visa policies can change at short notice. While we do our best to keep this information current, we recommend speaking with one of our travel consultants to verify your specific nationality’s requirements before booking.