Ghana ends manual filing for 260 dollar Emergency Entry Visas

Ghana ended manual B1 and B2 Emergency Entry Visa processing on Aug. 3, replacing paper submissions with advance online applications and payment.

Paper applications are no longer accepted

The change covers B1 business and B2 tourist applications under the Emergency Entry Visa scheme, commonly called visa on arrival. Local hosts and companies previously submitted manual requests for foreign visitors.

Individuals, corporate hosts and event organizers must now apply through the Ghana Immigration Service Electronic Visa platform. The change applies specifically to the emergency route, not every Ghanaian business or tourist visa application.

The online route costs $260

Applicants must create an account, complete the form, upload supporting documents and pay the $260 fee by credit or debit card. Approved eVisas are sent by email.

The platform gives a general processing estimate of 72 to 96 hours, so the emergency route no longer supports an airport-only or last-minute paper application. Eligibility rules still require a valid passport and generally limit the scheme to emergency assignments or travelers coming from countries without a Ghanaian diplomatic mission.

Travelers and Ghana-based hosts must act before departure

The rule catches tourists, business travelers and digital nomads using B1 or B2 status through the Emergency Entry Visa channel. Anyone traveling under this route after Aug. 3 must submit the application online before departure and budget for the $260 advance payment.

Ghana-based employers, hotels, tour operators and conference organizers must use the same platform when applying for visitors. Expats planning longer stays should treat the eVisa as an entry step rather than a residence or work permit; Ghana’s residency rules remain separate.