Ghana Visa - Definitive Guide

To enter the Republic of Ghana, most countries require a visa. The visa applications to the Ghana High Commission must be made prior to the departure. There are countries which do not have a High Commission in them. In the case of these countries, a visa on arrival in Ghana will be issued. Even for these, the individual will have to inform earlier. The Ghana visa is usually stamped in your passport. However, if you are obtaining a visa on arrival, you will receive a visa on paper. The e-visa for Ghana is a plan in development and will be released soon by the Ghana High Commission. 

The application for Ghana visa for Indian passport holders is fairly straightforward. However, before starting with the process, it is necessary to determine which type of visa you require to travel to the country as different purposes need different visa types. After this, you have to ensure that you have all the documents as per the Ghana visa requirement for Indian citizens. You can then proceed to do the application online as per your convenience. The process is as follows -

• The online process involves you to fill the details on the online application form at the High Commission website. 
• You will then have to attach your documents by uploading them, and then submit the application.
• Along with the hard copy of this application, you should then visit the High Commission with the original documents and photos.
• After this, you will be required to pay the Ghana visa application fees in the form of a Bank draft at the Ghana High Commission.
• Upon receipt at the High Commission, your visa application will start processing, and you will be notified.

As you can see, it is quite a tiresome process. But you have to make sure that you do not slack and make mistakes in the application. Also, ensure that you attach the original documents.  Incorrect or incomplete applications may cause in your visa being delayed, or rejected. A visa rejection may prove to be a thorn in future visa applications.

There are several types of visa depending on the purpose of the visit. The major types of visas for Ghana are as follows - 

• Ghana Tourist Visa - The tourist visa is issued for the individuals who are travelling to the country for the sole purpose of tourism. 

• Ghana Business Visa - A business visa is issued when the individual is travelling to take part in business activities such as meetings, mergers, etc.

• Ghana Employment Visa - This type of visa is issued to people entering Ghana to work in the country.
• Ghana Student Visa - Students who plan on studying in the country are issued a Student visa by the government.

As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents you must submit in order to apply for a Ghanaian visa. Please note that these are only the basic documentation. As per the individual category, there will be additional documents required. 

• A valid passport
• Covering letter stating the details of the travel
• Travel itinerary 
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets 
• Proof of accommodation 
• Proof of employment/studies
• Financial documents to show sufficient funds

As per requirements, 4 identical passport size photos are required for the visa application. The details are as follows - 

• Ghana visa photo size -  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head - centrally positioned
• Captured within the last 3 months
• White background
• 85% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses - not permitted
• Headgears - only for religious reasons

Typically, the Ghanaian visa is processed quicker. In an ideal scenario, it takes around 3-5 days for processing. However, depending on other factors such as the method of application, the complexity of the case, volume of applications, etc, the time can vary.

The amount for the Ghana visa fees depends on multiple factors such as type of visa, no of entries permitted, urgency. The High Commission may vary it without prior notice. For the Ghana visa fees India, it is advised to check the exact amount before application. The fees are to be paid in the form of a Banker’s Draft in the name of the ‘Ghana High Commission’.

The application for the visa must be done online. However, this method still involves in you either visiting the authority or mailing the application package to the authorities. You can visit or send the documents to the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana situated in Delhi, or one of the Honorary Consulates of the Republic of Ghana in Mumbai, or Kolkata.