U.S. Department of State Seal
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Ghana

Ghana
Republic of Ghana

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V Y
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 60 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 60 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 24 Months
C-3 None Multiple 24 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-2 None Multiple 48 Months
G-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 None Multiple 60 Months
H-1B $755.00 Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2A None N/A N/A3
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-4 $755.00 Multiple 60 Months 3
I $175.00 Multiple 12 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 12 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 $1,355.00 Multiple 60 Months
M-1 None Multiple 24 Months
N-8 None Multiple 36 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 6 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-2 $155.00 Multiple 24 Months
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

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There is no general document information.

 

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees: Free if the child is registered within 12 months of its birth. After 12 months, the fee is GHC 20

Document Name: Certified copy of Entry in Register of Births

Issuing Authority: Registrar of Births and Deaths of Ghana

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Computer generated certificate on green A4-sized paper. Approx. 2cm square 3D holographic security sticker reading CONTROLLER AND ACCOUNTANT GENERAL.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ag. Registrar of Births and Deaths or Principal Assistant Registrar of Births and Deaths. There are currently only four individuals with the authority to sign birth and death certificates.

Registration Criteria: Within the first 12 months of the birth, the parents should present a “weighing card” or “welfare centre card” which is provided at the child’s first well-baby visit with a medical practitioner. If 12 months or more have elapsed since the birth, the parents must present the weighing card, baptismal certificate and parents’ passports.  Persons over 18 years of age must apply in person, present a valid voter ID card and passport as proof of identity, and must be accompanied by a witness who can attest to the applicant’s birth.

Procedure for Obtaining: Records of registrations for infants more than one year old are deposited with the Office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths for Ghana, C/O Ministry of Local Government, P.O. Box M.270, Accra, Ghana. If the applicant resides outside of Ghana, the person applying must present a written authorization from the individual whose birth certificate is being requested. Persons under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian obtain the certificate. Certificates are usually issued within 10 working days.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: Applicants who are over the age of 60 who have never registered their birth are not eligible to receive a birth certificate and should instead submit an affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths. 

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Comments: The majority of registrations are not made at the time of birth, and often no registration is made until an individual requires a birth certificate for immigration purposes. Registrations not made within one year of an individual's birth are not reliable evidence of identity or relationship, since any registration, but especially late registrations, may often be accomplished upon demand, with little or no supporting documentation required. Because of the prevalence of late registrations, secondary evidence of birth is often required. Common secondary evidence includes midwife's certificates of birth, “weighing cards” or welfare centre cards, and baptismal certificates. Ghana Health Service provides a Child Health Record (a green pamphlet), and Maternal Health Record (a pink pamphlet) to every infant and pregnant woman as a means of recording medical details of pregnancy and the first year of life. Some educational certificates, such as the WAEC (a.k.a. WASSCE) record the subject’s date of birth and can be verified by U.S. Embassy Accra.

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees: Free if the death is registered within seven days. After seven days the fee is GHC 30.

Document Name: Certified Copy of Entry in Register of Deaths

Issuing Authority: Registrar of Births and Deaths of Ghana

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Computer generated certificate on green A4-sized paper. Approx. 2cm square 3D holographic security sticker reading BIRTH AND DEATH.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Births and Deaths or Principal Assistant Registrar of Births and Deaths. There are currently only four individuals with the authority to sign birth and death certificates.

Registration Criteria: A family member must apply in person and present an affidavit from the family head nominating him or her to apply for the certificate, and a certificate from the medical examiner or pathologist naming the medical cause of death. If the deceased died at home, a police report must also accompany the application.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Death records that are more than one year old are deposited with the Office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths for Ghana, C/O Ministry of Local Government, P.O. Box M.270, Accra, Ghana. Certificates are usually issued within 14 working days.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Comments: Applicant needs medical cause of death certificate from the hospital where the death occur. When a person dies at home, family members must obtain a coroner's report in order to be issued a death certificate.

Marriage Certificates

Available: For civil, customary, and Islamic (Mohammedan) marriages.

Fees:

  • Civil marriage (a.k.a. “ordinance marriage”): Fees vary from GHC 200 to GHC 400, depending on the registration office where the application is lodged.
  • Customary marriage: Fees vary from GHC 60 to GHC 100, depending on the registration office where the application is lodged.
  • Islamic Marriage: None.

Document Name:  

  • Civil marriage: Certificate of Marriage
  • Customary marriage: Form of Register of Customary Marriages
  • Islamic marriage: Certificate of Marriage

Issuing Authority:

  • Civil and Customary marriages: Registrar General’s Office
  • Islamic marriage: Registrar of Mohammedan Marriages

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  

  • Civil marriage certificates: Printed on thick, white cardstock paper (approx. 7” x 14”), which is then printed in landscape orientation with a horizontal-colored band going from left to right; civil marriages concluded at the Registrar’s Office will have a green band across the page, but a civil marriage registered at a licensed (“gazette”) church will have a blue band. The documents are torn out of a large book and so may appear perforated along the edges.
  • Customary marriage certificate: Looks similar to a civil marriage certificate but does not have a horizontal colored band.  Once registered with the civil authorities the couple will receive a civil marriage certificate that says "married under customary law" in the space provided for "condition” with an attached certificate printed on white office paper that includes both the ceremony and registration dates.
  • Islamic (“Mohammedan”) marriage certificate: Printed on white office paper and has no security features, but once registered with the civil authorities the couple will receive a civil marriage certificate that says "married under Islamic/Mohammedan law" in the space provided for "condition." For immigrant visa purposes, applicants must submit their civil marriage certificate.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Principal Registrar of Marriages

Registration Criteria:

  • Customary Marriage: After the customary rites of marriage are performed, the couple may choose to register at the local Registrar of Marriages in the district where they reside, along with one witness. They will be asked to provide a statutory declaration describing the marriage ceremony and declaring it was made in accordance with their ethnic group’s customary law. The application for the registration of the customary marriage is not mandatory. The certificate will say "married under customary law" in the space provided for "condition."
  • Civil Marriage: Prior to the marriage ceremony, the couple must make an application to the Registrar of Marriages of the district in which they reside for a Certificate of Notice, the equivalent of a marriage license.  If the couple meets the minimum marriage requirements (both parties’ consent to the marriage, are over age 21, are free to marry, and at least one party must be a resident in the district), the Registrar posts a notice on the local notice board for a period of 21 days.  If no one comes forward to protest the marriage within 21 days, the registrar issues the Certificate of Notice, which is valid for three months.  The marriage ceremony must be concluded at a place that is licensed for such ceremonies and by a licensed official or priest to be considered valid. The marriage rites must be performed within three calendar months after the issue of the marriage license failure for which the couple must start a new marriage registration.
  • Islamic Marriage: Islamic marriages should be registered at the Registrar of Mohammedan Marriages within one week of the religious ceremony. The register must be signed by the groom, the bride’s Wali (witness or patron), the priest and two witnesses. Islamic marriages can also be registered under civil law with the Registrar or Marriages but must meet the legal requirements of a civil marriage (see above) and should be concluded by an Islamic priest who is licensed to perform marriages. The certificate will say "married under Islamic/Mohammedan law" in the space provided for "condition."

Procedure for Obtaining: Either party to the marriage can request a certified copy of a marriage certificate in writing to the Principal Registrar of Marriages, C/O Registrar General's Office, P.O. Box 118, Accra, Ghana, or in person at the local Registrar’s office where the marriage was registered.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Comments: Most marriages in Ghana are performed under customary law, and written records are kept only if the couple chooses to register the marriage with the local registrar. Many Ghanaians misconstrue the traditional marriage ceremony as an “engagement.” However, under Ghanaian marriage law, once a “bride price” has been paid, the traditional marriage becomes recognized and lawful.  

Persons married under customary law who subsequently wish to marry under civil or ordinance law must obtain a civil marriage certificate which reflects the words "married under customary law" in the space provided for "condition." Polygamous marriage is permissible under Islamic marriage and customary marriage, but not under civil law. Proxy marriages are allowable in customary marriage only, and while the marriage certificate will not indicate that the marriage was concluded by a proxy, the parties to the marriage are required to submit a sworn affidavit to the Registrar General’s Office naming the parties to the marriage, their proxies, and the marriage particulars. The Registrar can verify whether a sworn affidavit was submitted for a marriage certificate where the marriage was concluded by a proxy. Same sex marriage is not recognized in Ghana. Marriages conducted under Proxy must be signed by the assigned proxies to the marriage. The City of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) maintains a web site with information on marriage law in Ghana.

 

Divorce Certificates

Available: For civil, customary, and Islamic (Mohammedan) marriages.

Fees:  Depends on the court where the divorce was completed.

Document Name: Divorce Certificate or Decree of Dissolution

Issuing Authority: High Court, District Court, or Circuit Court that granted the divorce

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The format varies depending on the local court that issues it. It may or may not be on official letterhead, and may or may not bear the stamp, seal, or watermark of the Ghana Judicial Service.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of the High Court, District Court, or Circuit Court

Registration Criteria: Civil, customary and Islamic marriages should be dissolved by a court of law under the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1971.

Procedure for Obtaining:

  • Dissolution of civil marriages: Documentation of the dissolution of a civil marriage is a decree by a High Court, District Court, or Circuit Court in the district where the applicant(s) resides.  Certificates for the dissolution of a civil marriage may be obtained from the court that granted the divorce, stating that the marriage in question was dissolved. However, a civil marriage may be dissolved in another District if the applicant has relocated to another District.
  • Dissolution of customary marriage: Documentation of the dissolution of a customary marriage is a decree, issued by a High Court, District Court, or Circuit Court along with a statutory declaration by the family of the couple, stating that the marriage in question was dissolved in accordance with customary law. You may find a record of the dissolution of a customary marriage on the reverse of the customary marriage certificate.
  • Dissolution of Islamic marriages:  Either party can register the dissolution of an Islamic marriage at the Registrar of Mohammedan Marriages within one month of the divorce.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Comments:  Affidavits or "statutory declarations" attesting to a divorce under customary law, even when duly sworn, do not constitute proper documentation of the dissolution of a Ghanaian customary marriage. Certificates of divorce issued by courts that are not in the jurisdiction of residence of the applicants should be considered suspicious. 

Available

Fees: None at this time.

Document Name: Adoption decree

Issuing Authority: The high courts grant adoption. District courts do not have the authority to grant adoptions.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The format varies depending on the court that issues it. The order will bear the stamps, watermark or seals of the Judicial Service.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of the High Court

Registration Criteria: Ghana is a Hague Convention Country.  For inter-country adoptions, a new adoption order can only be granted upon completing the adoption steps required by the convention.

Procedure for Obtaining: The adoptive parents or adoptee may request certified copies of adoption decrees from the court which finalized the adoption order by contacting them directly. In many cases, an in-person request will probably be required.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

The National Identity Card is issued by the National Identification Authority to all Ghanaian citizens living in Ghana and abroad and all legally and permanently resident foreigners in Ghana.

The Citizen Card or Ghana Card, also known as the ECOWAS Card, serves as a travel document within the ECOWAS region, requiring no visa for Ghanaians traveling to other ECOWAS countries.

Issuing Authority: National Identification Authority (NIA)

Document Name: Ghana Card, ECOWAS Card or Citizen Card for Ghanaians. Non-Citizen ECOWAS Card for legally and permanently resident foreigners in Ghana. The Non-Citizen Ghana Card has “NON-CITIZEN IDENTITY CARD” boldly written in red on the front side while the one issued to Ghanaians has no such inscription.

Fees:

For Ghanaians in Ghana:

  1. The Ghana Card is free when issued to a Ghanaian for the first time.
  2. The Ghana Card is free at all NIA District Offices and some Regional Offices.
  3. If you want to register at a Premium Center, as an institution or a household/group, you will be required to pay a fee to be determined by NIA.
  4. The fees can be found on the NIA website at the Fees and Charges Page.

For Ghanaians Abroad:

  1. For Ghanaians living in the ECOWAS Region, the first-time registration for a Ghana Card attracts a fee of USD55.00
  2. For Ghanaians living in the rest of Africa, the first-time registration for a Ghana Card attracts a fee of USD75.00
  3. For Ghanaians living outside of Africa, the first-time registration for a Ghana Card attracts a fee of USD115.00

Eligibility & Requirements:

There are three (3) categories of people who qualify to be registered, namely:

  1. All Ghanaian citizens by descent, registration or naturalization, aged zero (0) years and above and currently resident in Ghana;
  2. All Ghanaian citizens by descent, registration or naturalization, aged zero (0) years and above and living outside Ghana; and
  3. Foreign nationals legally and permanently resident in Ghana.

All applicants MUST appear in person to register at a designated NIA Registration Office or Ghana Mission.

Documents To Present For Registration:

  1. A Birth Certificate issued by the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana; or
  2. A valid Ghana Passport issued by the Government of Ghana; or
  3. An Oath of Identity form(s) obtained through the vouching process; or
  4. Evidence of acquired citizenship such as Naturalization or Registration Certificates.

Personal Data To Provide During Card Registration:

Every applicant will be required to provide to the Registration Officer, the following pieces of information:

  1. Applicant’s personal information such as name, date of birth, residential address, educational background, gender, marital status etc.
  2. Applicant’s parental, spousal and next-of-kin information; and
  3. Applicant’s Institutional ID cards and contact details.

Every field on the Application Form is mandatory and must be completed by every applicant who registers.

Security Features:

  • Aluminum Watermark: A visible security feature.
  • Dual Interface Chip Module: Allows for both contact and contactless smart card functionality.
  • Tactile Features: Designed for easy identification by visually impaired individuals.
  • Ultraviolet Features and UV Printing: Additional security measures.
  • ECOWAS Logo: Indicates its role as an ECOWAS identity card.
  • Micro-holographic reflecting stamp: Placed on the photo for added security.
  • Machine Readable Zone (MRZ): On the back of the card, for easy data reading.
  • Biometric Data: The microchip stores biometric data, such as fingerprints, image, and signature.
  • RFID Technology: The data on the chip can be extracted wirelessly.
  • Card Access Number and Document Number: For identification purposes.
  • Tracking Number: On the back of the card.
  • E-Passport Symbol: Indicates its role as a travel document.
  • Contactless Symbol: Indicates compatibility with other card readers.
  • 148k Chip: The card has a 148-kilobyte smartcard chip.

Functionality:

  • Travel Document: The Ghana Card serves as a travel document within the ECOWAS region, allowing Ghanaians to travel without visas to other ECOWAS countries.
  • National Identity: The card is a national identity document, essential for accessing government services and participating in Ghanaian society.
  • Financial and Administrative Systems: It's integrated into Ghana's financial and administrative systems, making it a key tool for various transactions.
  • Mandatory Use: The Ghana Card is mandatory for transactions requiring identification, including passport and driver's license applications.
  • Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
  • Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
  • Comments: The Ghana Card will expire after ten years from the date of issuance. This is necessary because of the estimated lifespan of the card’s body is ten years. In addition, the personal features of Ghana Card holders are expected to have changed after 10 years and will warrant the need for an updated picture.

Police Certificates

Available

Fees:

  • Local applicant - Approx. $17 USD (higher cost for expedited service), to be paid in local currency.
  • Non-Resident - $200 paid in a bank transfer to Ecobank Ghana (Main Headquarters), A/C 1101530940211, Commissioner of Police CID account.

Document Name:  Criminal Check

Issuing Authority: The Ghana Police Criminal Investigation Department

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed on off-yellow security paper. Has the Ghana Police logo in the upper center and also a central watermark of the logo. The applicant’s picture is on the center right with a holographic seal affixing the picture to the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:

  • Residents of Ghana – Report to the headquarters branch of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service in Accra. A fingerprint sample will be taken at the time of the application.
  • Non-Residents should send the request via international courier (DHL or FedEx is recommended) and pay the roundtrip courier cost in advance. They must include a receipt of completed bank transfer of the fee listed above. The request should be sent to:

Commissioner of Police
Criminal Investigation
Department Headquarters
PO Box GP505
Accra, Ghana

  • The request should include the following information –
    • The bio-page of applicant’s passport
    • Two passport sized photographs
    • Full name of applicant
    • Date and place of birth
    • Father and Mother’s full name
    • Hometown
    • Occupation
    • List of all schools attended, including year of entry and completion
    • Contact address
    • Email address
    • Telephone number

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Comments: Ghana police certificates are not an accurate representation of an individual’s law enforcement history in Ghana. Non-convicted cases are not entered in the Police criminal database.

 

Court Records

Available

Fees: Depends on the type of request and number of copies required, but usually between GHC 10-20 per page.

Document Name: Varies depending on issuing court.

Issuing Authority: The high court or district court where the proceedings took place.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The document received from the court should have the water mark which reads JUDICIAL SERVICE written across the document in capital letters.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: Requests for court documents should be made in person at the court where the proceedings took place.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

 

Prison Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Prison Record

Issuing Authority: Director General of Prisons

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director General of Prisons

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: Requests for a prison record may be made in writing to the address listed below. Processing time varies, depending on the length of the sentence, how long ago and in what prison the sentence was served.

Director General of Prisons
PO Box 129
Accra

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Available

Fees: There may be a fee for this service.

Document Name: Military Records

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Defense

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of Personnel Administration

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: If a person has served in the Gold Coast or Ghana Armed Forces, requests are to be made to the Director of Personnel Administration, Ministry of Defense, Burma Camp, Accra, Ghana.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Types Available

  • Contemporary, regular or ordinary passport
  • Service passport
  • Diplomatic passport

Contemporary Passport (Hunter green in Color)

This is the most common passport in Ghana. It is the regular passport issued to Ghanaian residents by law. Foreign nationals can also apply for this passport provided they meet all the eligibility criteria.

There are two types of the contemporary passport namely: the 32-page and 48-page contemporary passport.

Color of back cover: green

Validity: 10 years

Number of pages: 32/48

Information in the contemporary passport are listed below.

  • Name
  • Country code (GHA)
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Date of issue
  • Date of expiry
  • Place of issue
  • Authority
  • Signature
  • Passport size photograph

Service passport (Cadet grey in color)

Also called official passport, is a special passport issued to government or public sector employees for work-related travels. Public service workers who have been issued this kind of passport are expected to use it for only work-related travels. The regular passport is supposed to be used when the travel is not work-related. A normal application cannot be submitted for this type of passport. Members of Parliament are mostly issued service passports.

Diplomatic Passports (Auburn in color)

In Ghana, diplomatic passports are issued to government officials, diplomats, and their eligible families traveling on official business, and certain prominent citizens deemed necessary by the government.

 

Issuing Authority: All above mentioned passport types are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

Document Name: Passport

Fees:

For contemporary passport

  • Standard Application 32 Pages: GHS 500.00
  • Standard Application 48 Pages: GHS 644.00
  • Expedited Application 32 Pages: GHS 700.00
  • Expedited Application 48 Pages: GHS 800.00

Service and diplomatic passports are free.

Requirements:

  1. Proof of Citizenship: Original Birth Certificate
  2. Documents to support Identity: Originals of documents like school certificates, ECOWAS Card, driver's license, employment/student/other ID cards.
  3. Proof of Profession: Introductory letter, work ID, Student ID, Business Registration Certificate.
  4. Other Requirements:
  • Completed Application Form: You need to purchase and complete the passport application form online using Mobile Money or Visa/MasterCard.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos.
  • Passport processing fee.
  • Previous Passport if you are renewing your passport
  • Police Report: for lost or stolen passport.
  • Letter of Consent from your parent or legal guardian If you are under 18,
  • Photocopies of your supporting documents.
  • Book Online Appointment before submitting your application.
  • Appear in person at the passport office.

 

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: At the top is printed "ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS)" followed by "COMMUNAUTE ECONOMIQUE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST (CEDEAO)". The words "REPUBLIC OF GHANA" follow. The CEDEAO/ECOWAS emblem appears next. At the bottom are the words "PASSPORT" and "PASSEPORT", "SERVICE PASSPORT" and "PASSEPORT DE SERVICE", or "DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT" and "PASSEPORT DIPLOMATIQUE", depending on the type of passport (contemporary, service, or diplomatic, respectively).

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: All passport applicants must appear in person for biometrics collection and an interview with a passport adjudication official.  Applicants in Accra should complete their application online, download their passport photo, and make an appointment using the online appointment system.  For applicants outside Accra, the application can be completed by hand and submitted at any passport office without an appointment.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: There are no exceptions.

Comments:

  • Ghana began issuing 5-year validity ICAO-compliant facial/biometric passports in 2015. On April 1, 2019, Ghana will begin issuing 10-year validity passports to all its citizens over the age of 12. The passports will not be electronic compliant. Ghana is on target to begin issuing e-Passports sometime in 2020. Ghana’s Embassies, however, still issue non-ICAO, non-facial/biometric passports, which may be valid for five or ten years.
  • Proof of nationality may be requested from first time applicants, which may include a birth certificate, “weighing card,” voter identity card, or other documentation of identity.  Minors are issued passports based on the nationality of their parents, but after age 18 will be required to submit additional proof of nationality with their application.
  • Proof of employment or student status is required for applicants who indicate they are employed in a profession that requires a degree or certification, or who are enrolled in school.

Not applicable.

Post Title: U.S. Embassy in Ghana

Address:

Physical address:

No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd, Cantonments, Accra
GHANA

Ghana Mailing Address:

Consular Section
US Embassy in Ghana
P.O. Box GP 194
Accra, Ghana

Mailing Address from the United States:

Consular Section
US Dept. of State
2020 Accra Place
Washington, DC 20521-2020

Phone Numbers:  

  • Main Number (+233) 30 274-1000
  • Main Fax Number (+233) 30 274-1389
  • Emergency After Hours (+233) 30 274-1775
  • Consular Section (+233) 30 274-1100

Email: consularaccra@state.gov

Comments / Additional Information: None

All categories for all of Ghana.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.