Ghana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued

June 23, 2026

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Country / Territory

At a Glance

Effective May 25, 2026, Ghana implemented significant immigration reforms, replacing its largely visa-free and visa-on-arrival framework with a digital pre-travel authorization system. Key changes include: 

    • The introduction of a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (at no cost) for individuals traveling for business or tourism to Ghana who are: 
        • nationals of African Union (AU) Member States who are not Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or Alliance of Sahel States (AES) nationals; and 
        • other nationals who were previously visa exempt.  
    • However, ECOWAS and AES nationals are exempt from the new ETA requirement and can continue to enter Ghana visa-free with a valid passport at no cost. 
    • The introduction of an online eVisa system for visa-required foreign nationals traveling to Ghana for business or tourism. The new system is currently available as an alternative option to the consular visa application process (which is likely to remain available, although this has not been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and allows applicants to submit applications, supporting documents and fees electronically.  
    • Foreign nationals should review their travel authorization requirements well in advance of travel, as pre-departure travel requirements have now changed.    

The situation 

Effective May 25, 2026, Ghana implemented significant immigration reforms, replacing a system largely based on a visa-free and visa-on-arrival framework with a digital pre-travel authorization system.  

A closer look 

Key changes include: 

CHANGE  

IMPACT  

New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement.  

  • Ghana has introduced a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for individuals who are: 
    • nationals of African Union (AU) Member States who are not Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or Alliance of Sahel States (AES) nationals; and 
    • other nationals who were previously visa exempt. However, ECOWAS and AES nationals are exempt from the new ETA requirement and can continue to enter Ghana visa-free with a valid passport at no cost. 
  • Certain operational details of ETAs are still unclear - additional guidance from the Ghanaian authorities is expected in the coming weeks. 

 

Foreign nationals should verify whether they are subject to the ETA requirement through the official Ghana  visa portal before making travel arrangements. Travelers who require an ETA must obtain authorization prior to departure; failure to do so may result in denial of boarding or refusal of entry into Ghana. 

New online eVisa system introduced for visa-required travelers and nationals eligible for a pre-approved VOA.  

  • Visa-required foreign nationals traveling to Ghana for tourism and business can now apply for an eVisa. 
  • Individuals who would otherwise be eligible for a pre-approved visa-on-arrival (VOA) in cases of urgent travel or where no Ghanaian consular post is available in the country of residence can also apply for this eVisa. 
  • The new system is currently available as an alternative option to the consular visa application process (which is likely to remain available, although this has not been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and allows applicants to submit applications, supporting documents and fees electronically.  
  • Through the eVisa system, applicants can now submit their applications online, upload supporting documentation, and pay the applicable fees electronically. Once approved, typically within 72 to 96 hours, travelers receive the eVisa by email, which can be printed and presented to immigration authorities upon arrival. 

The eVisa system is intended to streamline the visa application process, making it faster and easier for visa-required nationals to enter Ghana. It will also serve to enhance border security. 

 

Background 

The reforms were introduced by President John Dramani Mahama to support Ghana's transition to a digital immigration framework, providing enhanced border security, and aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063 flagship initiative on the African Passport and Free Movement of People. 

Looking ahead 

Further guidance from the Ghanaian authorities is expected as implementation of the new ETA and eVisa framework continues. We will update this alert as information develops. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen. 

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