Did you know that it is possible to apply for a visa to Ghana from USA without stress? The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has simplified the process to make it easy for US citizens to apply for any visa of their choice.
Traveling To Ghana
Ghana is a West African country and is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The country has a population of over 30 million people and plays host to American tourists who visit to connect with their black ancestry. In recent years many of Hollywood’s celebrities have visited the country to enjoy the lovely beaches and historic landmarks like the Elmina castle and sites that hark back to the sordid slave trade of the past.
Ghana has a thriving tourism industry that has blossomed in recent years. Spending time in the small West African nation will be time well spent
Do US Citizens Require A Visa To Enter Ghana?
US citizens require a visa to enter Ghana since the US is not on the country’s visa waiver list. Only citizens of fellow Ecowas countries can travel to Ghana without a visa; others require visas, including Us citizens. The good news is that Ghanaian consulates and embassies are open Mondays to Fridays to attend to visa applicants, and the process is easy.
Types Of Ghanaian Visas
American citizens can apply for the following visas.
Tourist Visa: Tourist visas are the most popular visas for Americans because most who visit come as tourists. This is a short stay visa that allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days before they depart. You can visit any of the 16 regions in the country to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Business Visa: A business visa is for those who are doing business in Ghana. They can enter the country to attend meetings, sign contracts, or do any other business engagements. Business visas are also short term visas too.
Work Permit Visa: Many US expatriates in Ghana work in many establishments or run their own businesses. These ex-pats live and work in the country on a work Permit Visa as this is the only legal document that allows a foreigner to work in Ghana.
Study Visa: US citizens coming to attend courses in any of the country’s institutions of learning require a study visa issued by the embassy in Washington or any of its consulates.
Transit Visa: This is a short stay visa for US citizens traveling to other countries through Ghana. The visa allows for brief stops in the country for a few days before the visitor must continue the journey to their final destination.
There are a few other visas, but these ones are the most sought after options for US citizens. The visa you apply for should depend on the purpose of making the trip.
Ghana Visa by Duration
Another thing to consider when applying for a visa to Ghana from the USA is the duration. How long do you wish to stay? A few weeks, months, or longer? There are two visas to consider.
Single entry visa: A single entry visa is for those who wish to visit just once and will likely not be coming back in a long while. Single entry visas can only be used once, and they expire afterwards. If you depart even before it expires, your decision to leave the country invalidates the visa, so you have to apply for a new one to visit again.
Multiple entry visa: Multiple entry visas allows the holder to enter Ghana several times or as often as they wish as long as the visa is valid. There is no maximum entry count, and this is the ideal travel document for frequent visitors. Most multiple-entry visas have longer validities.
Ghana Visa Processing Fees
To apply for the visa, you need to pay a processing fee. Processing Fees range from $50-$160, depending on the type of visa you apply for. Long stay and multiple entry visas cost more. Visa fee payments should be made in US dollars using a credit or debit card.
Ghana Visa Processing Time
Once you submit your application at the Ghana embassy or consulate, expect to receive your visa within 3-7 working days. To avoid delays, consider applying for it at least 2 weeks before your planned trip.
How To Apply For A Ghana Visa From USA
Currently, US citizens cannot apply for a Visa online, so they must visit the embassy or any of the available consulates to apply for one. After submitting your documents and application form, you will be invited for an interview which you must honor. After this, the embassy will communicate with you via email and phone. Once the visa is ready, you will be invited to pick it up
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide the following documents.
Valid US Passport with 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages
2 recent passport photographs
Purpose of visit written in a cover letter
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation
Signed undertaken
Contact address
Travel Itinerary