Ghana Visa Requirements for US Citizens: A Mini Guide!

In Africa, when it comes to tourist destinations for American visitors, Ghana is simply one of the best (if not the best). No two ways about that. Apparently, “Where there is peace, there is a way!”

That said, all potential visitors to Ghana must subject themselves to the immigration laws of this reputable west African country. 

What is Ghana’s Visa Requirements for US Citizens? As part of the Ghana visa requirements, US tourists coming to Ghana must have their valid passports and visas. Single-entry visas valid for 90 days attract visa fees of $60, $150, and $100 — depending on the visa type.

Knowing the Ghana visa requirements for US citizens will serve you right. They’ll take you closer to your Ghanaian dreams than ever before.

The US-Ghana diplomatic relationship keeps opening doors for the citizens. If this positive trend continues, the two countries will only get stronger.

Table of Contents

Ghana Visa Requirements for American Citizens

Ghana Immigration Service issues different kinds of visas for Americans. Here are the requirements for tourist visas and business visas to Ghana.

Business Visa

  • Passport

Ghana laws require US visitors to have their signed passports. In addition to that, the passports must have the following:

  1. The validity period of 6 months or above.
  2. At least a blank page for visa stamp
  3. Good shape. Ghana doesn’t tolerate torn, frayed or physically-distorted visas
  • Photographs

As an American citizen, your two-color passport-size photo should satisfy the criteria below:

  1. Not more than 3-months-old
  2. Be on a white background
  3. Size is 2X2 inches
  4. Full natural face; no smiling or wearing of glasses
  • Business Cover Letter

You’re supposed to carry the US company’s cover letter. The letterhead must prove your United States’ mailing address.

  • Invitation Letter

You’re required to attach an official letter from the company that’s inviting you to Ghana. This letter should meet the requirements below:

  1. Specify the details of the business trip. Is it about a meeting or a contract negotiation?
  2. Full address and contact number of the inviting company in Ghana.
  3. What is the number of entries and validity of your required visa? If you want a single entry visa, you are advised to apply for it early enough, at least 30-days before your intended departure. This visa is valid for 3 months.
  • Visa Application Form

American visitors to Ghana have two visa application options to choose from. Whether you want the rush or regular option, your application must:

  1. Answer all the necessary questions
  2. Carry your name as is written on your passport.
  3. Have a signature
  4. Be in typed format
  • Travel Arrangement Proof

US citizens have to show proof of arrangements for the trip. For instance, round trip tickets and departure dates.

Ghana Tourist Visa Requirements for US Citizens

As shown above, you will still need your valid passport, photographs, visa application form and proof of your trip arrangements.

If you’re a child aged below 18 years (a minor), you are required to:

  1. Show your birth certificate
  2. Produce copies of your parents’ national ID cards or passports
  3. Show a letter of consent (agreement) from your parents
  4. Let your parents endorse your visa application form.  

NB: There are 2 more important things to note as a US visitor to Ghana. 

  • Be sure that you have enough funds to support your stay in Ghana. You should have a minimum of $5000 USD before your entry to Ghana. The same amount equally applies during your exit.
  • A yellow fever vaccination card is also a must. The risks of yellow fever transmissions are high in Ghana, so follow the rules.

Do I Need a Visa for Ghana?

If you’re an American, it’s yes. You need a visa for Ghana because the United States of America and Ghana haven’t signed a visa-waiver agreement. For the same reason, Ghanaians can’t enter the United States without visas.

However, citizens from other visa-exempt countries (mostly members of the ECOWAS) can enter Ghana without visas. I hope that makes sense to you.

How to bring someone from Ghana to the USA

You can bring someone (e.g your fiance or relative) from Ghana to the USA by writing the person an invitation letter. 

This would serve as an official document to convince the US immigration officers to grant your visitor a fiance visa in the USA, or something like that — just for a short stay.

Before a US sponsor can invite a Ghanaian to the United States, the sponsor must be a lawful US citizen.

Ghana “Visa on Arrival” US Citizen

I don’t want to assume that you already know the meaning of the visa on arrival. 

To hit the nail on the head, visas on arrival are issued in the country of destination, following the arrival of the visitors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Ghana?

Unfortunately, no! I must be frank with you. As of March 2020, Ghana visas on arrival aren’t available to US citizens.

Do you really want to know why US citizens cannot get visas on arrival in Ghana? 
Well, so far it looks like America doesn’t give visas on arrival to all Ghanaian travelers. This could help explain why Americans need to get their Ghanaian visas beforehand.

As the saying goes, one good turn always deserves another; likewise one bad turn. If it’s not a matter of tit for tat, then it could be that the two countries both respect each other’s sovereign principles.

Even though Ghana visa on arrival for US citizens is scarce to get, the possibility is not completely ruled out. For instance, in 2019, many American visitors to Ghana were able to get visas on arrival.

Dubbed the Year of Return, it was President Akufo Addo’s administration who launched this flagship program. 
This allowed African-Americans in the diaspora to come and experience Ghana — 400 years after the arrival of the first black slaves in Virginia, US.
It’s also possible for US citizens to secure Ghana visas on arrival when prior notice is given to Ghana Immigration authorities. 

How long does it take to get a visa to Ghana?

It normally takes about 10—14 working days for you to get a visa to Ghana. However, the visa processing times also depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. 
If you’re an American citizen who wants to expedite your visa acquisition process, go with the rush visa option. Shorter processing time means you’ll pay more for it than the regular visa.

Do US citizens need a visa for Ghana?

America isn’t visa-exempt to Ghana. So automatically, all US citizens are required to get visas before they can enter Ghana. Only citizens from Ghana visa-free countries don’t need visas to enter Ghana.

American visitors are always welcome to Ghana. But they must possess the right travel documents in order to smoothen their tourist or business visa applications.

US citizens can get the Ghana visa application form New York by visiting the
Ghana Consulate at New York.

How much is a visa to Ghana?

For Americans, the US visa fee to Ghana usually costs around  $160—$250. This price range depends on the visa types and the length of your stay in Ghana.

 Visa fees are not fixed; they can change at any moment in time when necessary

Conclusion:

Congratulations for trying hard to get a Ghana visa.  But be reminded that Ghana reserves absolute rights to decline you a visa if you don’t meet the requirements. 

For further Ghana visa information, visit the US Embassy Ghana.

Also Read:

Invitation Letter for a Friend to Visit USA with Samples!

Do I Need a Visa for Ghana? Requirements and Even More!

Ghana Visa on Arrival: Do You Have What It Takes For a Visa?

How Much is US Visa Fee in Ghana Cedis? A Non-Ghanaian Guide!

Nana

Nana

Nana Santuoh, manages digital web products and leads the editorial team at Kumasiano - a mouthpiece for African and black people while reminiscing their good old days back home.

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