Planning a December trip to Ghana from the US, UK or Europe? Budget carefully for the visa.
The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the umbrella body for 22 national tourism and hospitality trade associations, says a tourist visa now costs US$260, up from US$150. That buys a single entry valid for only 30 days, the federation said in a press release dated October 20.
What travellers should know
According to GHATOF, diaspora visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe pay US$260 each, which adds up to more than US$1,000 for a family of four before a single air ticket is bought.
Applicants are also asked for a hotel reservation, an invitation letter from a Ghana Card holder and three months of bank statements, the federation said.
There is good news for some travellers. GHATOF commended the free Electronic Travel Authorisation for nationals of ECOWAS and African Union countries and the Caribbean.
The practical takeaway: check your eligibility early, gather documents well ahead of your flight, and factor the fee into your December budget.
The industry's pushback
GHATOF President Seth Ocran said the cost and paperwork risk undermining the welcome Ghana is promoting this season. "A welcome is only as good as the experience behind it," he said.
He was particularly critical of the bank statement requirement, questioning how safely visitors' financial records are handled. "A requirement that makes a guest feel exposed before boarding a plane is not a welcome," he said.
The federation is asking government to review the e-Visa fee downward, remove the bank statement requirement or replace it with a secure alternative, and simplify the rest of the visa documentation.
One nightlife spot fewer
Visitors who remember La Pleasure Beach should also note it is no longer what it was. GHATOF says the October 2 demolition there affected about 85 businesses employing more than 4,000 workers and removed one of the key nightlife destinations that drive December in Ghana. The federation wants affected traders compensated and a partnership with the private sector to restore a world-class beachfront.
"The private sector is ready," Ocran said.
Source: Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) (opens in a new tab)
