EEV — Emergency Entry Visa (Visa on Arrival)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

USD $200

Stay Duration

Varies (Standard visitor duration, though issued on arrival for approved applicants)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Temporary visa issued on arrival at port of entry for travelers unable to obtain a visa in advance, valid for up to 14 days with pre-approval from a local host.

The Emergency Entry Visa, commonly referred to as a Visa on Arrival, is authorized under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573) and Regulation 4 of the Immigration Regulations 2001 (LI 1691). It was created to provide a flexible, responsive mechanism for travelers who face urgent, unforeseen circumstances that make obtaining a standard visa through a diplomatic mission impractical. This visa fills the gap for essential, last-minute travel, ensuring that the Ghana Immigration Service maintains security oversight even in time-sensitive situations.

This visa is for travelers arriving from countries without a Ghanaian diplomatic mission, or those needing to enter on short notice for urgent business, conferences, or family emergencies. The applicant must have a local host in Ghana who applies for and receives prior approval from the GIS before the traveler departs. Its distinctive feature is that it is issued at the port of entry only after this pre-approval process, typically granting a short stay of up to 14 days, and it strictly prohibits employment.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Prior approval from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) is mandatory.

Formal application letter addressed to the Director of Immigration.

Valid passport with at least six months of validity.

Proof of emergency (e.g., medical report, business invitation, or urgent family matter).

Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Flight itinerary.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of passport bio-data page

Formal application letter (from host/sponsor)

Proof of emergency/purpose of visit

Flight itinerary

Proof of accommodation

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Host's ID or business registration documents

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Provides a solution for urgent travel when standard visa processing is not feasible.
Allows entry for those from countries without a Ghanaian diplomatic mission.
Facilitates last-minute business, diplomatic, or family-related travel.

Worth Knowing

This is NOT a 'visa on arrival' that can be obtained without prior approval; you must have the GIS approval letter before traveling.
Processing the approval at the GIS headquarters takes time (minimum 5 working days).
Failure to obtain pre-approval will likely result in denial of entry.
Fees are significantly higher than standard visas.