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You can now use Ghana Card as e-passport in 44,000 airports globally

Ghana’s National Identity Card, the Ghana Card can now be used as an e-passport in 44,000 airports globally.

It follows the recognition of the Ghana Card globally as an electronic passport that can be read and verified in all International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant borders.

At a ceremony,  held at the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal in Canada on Wednesday [February 9, 2022], Ghana was officially presented with the certificate to make the Ghana Card an e-passport to be accepted at 44,000 airports across the globe.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Ransford Sowah, received the ‘key’ to symbolically indicate Ghana’s entry into the ICAO family.

This means the Ghana Card, which is a unique biometric identification card, will be accepted as an e-passport in 197 borders globally and 44,000 airports in the world.

Holders of the Ghana Card will be allowed to board any flight to Ghana by just showing the card.

Ghana was officially accepted on October 13, 2021, as the 79th member of the ICAO’s Public Key Directory (PKD) community.

The ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) is a central repository for exchanging the information required to authenticate e-passports.

Ghana’s delegation at the ceremony

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Mr Ransford Sowah, in the company of a delegation from Ghana, including the Secretary to the Vice-President, Mr Augustine Blay; the Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Prof. Ken Attafuah, and other officials from the Presidency, received the key on behalf of Ghana.

Also in the delegation were the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Richard Okyere-Fosu; the Director of Passport, Mr Louis Kwame Obeng, and the Head of Technical Services, NITA, Mr Solomon Kofi Richardson.

With this, the Ghana Card as well as its future biometric equivalents can present it as official documentation at all 197 (ICAO) compliant countries and 44,000 airports worldwide and board flights to Ghana.

The ICAO declaration follows an earlier hint, given in November 2021 by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, that Ghanaians anywhere in the world would soon be able to travel back home using their Ghana cards.

Dr Bawumia had indicated that Ghana was expecting the certificate from ICAO by the end of the first quarter of 2022 and that, apart from acting as the major source of proof of identity, the Ghana Card will be used as an e-passport for Ghanaian citizens, all things being equal, by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

Officials of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have said with the Key Ceremony in Montreal over, the Ghana Card can now be verified internationally and border control authorities will be able to confirm in less than 10 seconds that a Ghanaian biometric e-passport (booklet) as well as the Ghana Card/e-passport were issued by the right authority, have not been altered, and are not copies or cloned documents.

A statement issued by the Authority read in part, “In practical terms, this means that it will now be faster and more effective for border control authorities to verify the identity of holders of Ghana’s passports. The Key Ceremony is the final stage of the implementation of Ghana’s e-passport project.”

In brief remark Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Ransford Sowah explained that the Ghana Card contains the biometric information of the holder with a cryptographic digital signature stored on a chip that can be used to authenticate the identity of travelers.

“This makes Ghana one of the few countries in the world where the national ID card also has an e-passport capability,” he added.

“For Ghanaians living or born in the diaspora, holders of the Ghana Card can be allowed to board any flight to Ghana without any visa requirement as we seek to give an inclusive Akwaaba experience to all children and descendants of our motherland.”

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How the Ghana Card Can Be Used as a Travel Document

The national identity card meets the highest international standards and can be used without a paper passport..

The Ghana Card, a national identity card issued by the government of Ghana, has been recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as a valid electronic passport (e-passport) that can be used for international travel. The card, which was manufactured by a Ghanaian company, Margins ID Group, has three secure identity profiles on its chip, one of which is the e-passport.

The e-passport profile on the Ghana Card contains all the essential information that is printed on the biodata page of a paper passport, such as the holder’s name, date of birth, and other biographical data. It also has a unique electronic chip that stores the holder’s biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris, and facial images. The chip has advanced cryptographic features that protect the document’s and holder’s security and privacy.

The e-passport on the Ghana Card meets the highest international standards set by ICAO, which is the UN agency that oversees civil aviation and travel documents. The card was certified by ICAO in November 2021 after a rigorous evaluation process. The certification means that the card can be used as a travel document by Ghanaians who wish to travel abroad without needing a paper passport.

The Ghana Card also has two other profiles on its chip: an electronic ID (e-ID) profile and a Match On Card (MOC) profile. The e-ID profile allows the holder to access various digital services and platforms, such as e-government and e-commerce. The MOC profile enables holders to authenticate their identity using their biometrics without relying on external databases or networks.

The Ghana Card is part of the government’s vision to create a digital economy and enhance social inclusion. The card is expected to facilitate the delivery of public and private services, improve national security, and promote regional integration. The card is also expected to boost tourism and trade, making travel easier and faster for Ghanaians.

The Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who championed the initiative, said that the Ghana Card was a game-changer for the country. He said that Ghanaians anywhere in the world would soon be able to travel back home using their Ghana cards. He also said the card would help reduce corruption, fraud, and identity theft.

The Margins ID Group Chief Executive, Moses Baiden, said his company was proud to be part of the project. He said that his company had invested in research and development to produce a world-class product that met the needs of Ghanaians. He said his company had also created jobs and opportunities for many young people in the country.

The Ghana Card is currently being issued to all eligible Ghanaians aged 15 years and above. The free registration process requires only a birth certificate or a valid passport as proof of citizenship. The card is valid for ten years and can be renewed online or at any designated office.

Source: GhanaWeb

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ICAO approves Ghana Card to be use as e-Passport for travelling worldwide

• The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has approved Ghana Card to be used as travelling passport worldwide.
• Holders of the Ghana Card, as well as its future biometric equivalents, can present it as official documentation at all 197 (ICAO) compliant countries.

Information available to coverghana indicates that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has given approval for Ghana card to be used as travelling passport.

According to the an aide to the Vice President of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Lawyer Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini,  Ghana’s National Identity Card popularly called the Ghana Card is going to be recognised globally as a valid electronic passport.

What This Approval Means

This approval from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) means that all holders of Ghana’s National Identity Card can travell to all 197 (ICAO) compliant countries and 44,000 airports worldwide and board flights to Ghana.

What is Ghana Card ?

Ghana Card is a national Identity card that is issued by an agency of the Government to Ghanaian citizens resident and non-resident, and legally and permanently resident foreign nationals.The Ghana can be used as proof of identity, citizenship and residence.

SOURCE : Coverghana.com.gh

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Ghana Card use as E-Passport on the rise as KIA records 1,089 arrivals in 2022

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The use of the Ghana Card as an electronic travel document by Ghanaians arriving in the country is on the rise, data by the Ghana Immigration Service shows. The biometric national identity card was officially certified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as meeting the requirements of an international travel document, and the Ghana Immigration Service, together with other stakeholders, officially announced last year that Ghanaians abroad travelling back into the country could use the Ghana card as a means of identification, in place of their Ghanaian Passports, if they so wished. The directive also meant that Ghanaian holders of foreign passports, who, hitherto, required a visa to arrive back home in Ghana, would no longer require entry Ghanaian visas, once they are holders of the Ghana card. The application of the new policy, which was officially implemented less than a year ago, is on the rise, as the Ghana Immigration Data reveals. Data by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) shows that about 1,089 Ghanaians boarded flights into Ghana from various countries around the world using Ghana cards. The data shows that 1089 passengers boarded flights from 19 different countries and 21 different airlines to the country from January to December 2022. Special desk at KIA to process Ghana Card holders Following the announcement of the new policy, the Ghana Immigration Service set up a special booth at the Kotoko International Airport in Accra, which processes Ghanaian holders of the Ghana Card returning home. Breakdown of Airline Arrivals From the data, 426 Ghanaians used their Ghanacard to travel on Emirates Airlines from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to KIA in 2022, while 143 arrived from the Netherlands aboard KLM. Fron 129 Ghanaians used their Ghanacards to travel from Cote D’Voire to Ghana comprising, while Air Cote D’Voire brought in 4 and Middle East Airlines brought in 1. From the United States of America, 78 Ghanaians made up of 35 on Delta Airlines and 43 on United Airlines arrived in Ghana with Ghana Cards as their travel document. From the UK, British Airways brought in 77 Ghanaians, while 67 Ghanaians arrived aboard Ethiopia Airlines in 2022. From France, 66 Ghanacard holders arrived in Ghana aboard Air France, with many others arriving from other countries, such as Burkina Faso-17 (comprising Air Burkina-1, Air France-16), Belgium-13, (Brussels Airlines), Togo -13, (made up of 11 by ASKY, Brussels Airlines-2), Sierra Leone- 9 (ASKY Airlines-1, Kenya Airlines-8) and Nigeria-9 (Africa World Airlines-8, Rwand Air-1) respectively. Others are: Qatar 8 (Qatar Airways), Liberia-7 (Africa World Airlines-2, ASKY Airlines-2, Kenya Airways-3), Turkey-6 (Turkish Airlines), South Africa-6 (South Africa Airlines), Egypt-6 (Egypt Air), Sao Tome and Principe-3 (Tap Air Portugal) and Morocco-1 (Royal Air Maroc), The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia revealed in November 2021 during a lecture at Ashesi University that processes had been completed for the Ghana Card to be recognised as an international travel document by the ICAO, the global body that certifies means of international travel identification. The government has announced that the next phase of the Ghanacard as an international travel document, is to make it possible for Ghanaians to use it to travel to countries Ghana would reach bilateral agreement with. When such an agreement is reached, Ghanaian citizens can travel to these countries using their Ghanacard as means of of identification, especially for e-visas.

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GHANA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All persons entering Ghana must have a valid passport or Travel Document establishing the identity of the holder.

THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF PERSONS ARE EXEMPT FROM ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS TO GHANA:

Citizens from the below-listed ECOWAS Member States Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Côte d’Ivoire The Gambia, Guinea Bissau Guinea, Guinea-Bissau Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Togo

HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OR OFFICIAL PASSPORTS OF THE COUNTRIES LISTED BELOW:

Brazil, Cuba, Germany, *Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China Iran, Namibia, Egypt NB: Exemptions category B above shall be for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days from the date of entry.

All nationals of the following countries: Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Singapore South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Zimbabwe **Children with ordinary passports accompanying holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports accredited to Ghana or South Africa are exempt from entry visa requirements.

LIST OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WITH WHICH GHANA HAS CONCLUDED VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENTS

Holders of passports of Regional Economic Communities in Africa and the African Economic Community, United Nations and its Specialized Agencies: The World Bank African Development Bank AIR-SIDE TRANSIT All persons in direct air side transit are exempt from visa requirements.

The following category of persons may not be granted entry visas: Prohibited immigrants A person without visible means of support An undesirable person On the advice of the health authorities, an individual may be refused entry into Ghana

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION NOTICE

Individuals intending to travel to Ghana must note that;

The possession of the appropriate documents does not confer a right of entry; Travelers may be refused entry into Ghana if they fall within the category of prohibited immigrants and; If they do not satisfy immigration requirements at the point of entry. The Government of Ghana will not be financially liable for their repatriation.

OTHER RELEVANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEFORE ENTRY INTO GHANA

Immigrant Quota – Persons who enter Ghana ostensibly as visitors may not be permitted to take employment. No person shall be permitted to accept employment or undertake an occupation for reward in Ghana unless such employment is within an authorized Immigrant Quota (an immigrant quota being the number of non-Ghanaians that a person or firm can employ). An application for Immigrant Quota must be made to:

THE SECRETARY IMMIGRANT QUOTA COMMITTEE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR P.O. BOX M. 42 ACCRA, GHANA

An approval for an Immigrant Quota for a foreign employee must be obtained before proceeding to Ghana.

Prospective Investors must register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Application for the extension of visa or automatic quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the GIPC confirming the status of the Investor.

Investors interested in the Mining Sector must register with the Minerals Commission an approved Mining Services Company. Application for the extension of visa or Immigrant Quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the Minerals Commission confirming status.

PROFESSIONALS

It is an offence for foreign doctors, dentists, lawyers, pharmacists and other specific professionals to practice their profession in Ghana unless they register in accordance with the ordinances of their respective professions.

All professionals wishing to enter Ghana to practice one of the above-mentioned professions are required to provide particulars of their qualifications to help determine their eligibility for registration.

Foreign professionals such as doctor, lawyers, and pharmacists among others must be registered in accordance with the laws of their respective professions to practice in Ghana.

Professionals wishing to practice in Ghana are required to provide documentation of their qualifications to help determine registration eligibility.

>> CLICK TO LEARN MORE

18 things to know before traveling to Ghana

Mar 7, 2024 • 7 min read

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for more, here's what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana © Houssam Ghandour / Getty Images

Travelers have plenty to look forward to on their trip to culturally rich Ghana .

Welcoming Ghana is considered one of the friendliest spots in West Africa, and with its compelling history, vibrant clothing prints and flavorful dishes , tourists keep coming back for more.

Life in Ghana generally moves at a slow, relaxed pace, but it can also be chaotic and fast in different settings. Embrace the cultural differences, mass traffic and intense bargaining, and you may fall in love with the place. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning once again, here's what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana.

1. Gather the necessary documents for entry

Getting the paperwork together to visit Ghana is a process on its own and can be pricey. All visitors to Ghana must have a valid visa , and they range in cost depending on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Your visa for Ghana can take nearly three weeks to arrive unless you shell out extra for an expedited service.

A yellow fever vaccine is also required for entry into Ghana. Check with your local health department or medical clinics to get vaccinated. Malaria pills are also strongly recommended for visitors and can be prescribed by your doctor. If you can't get your hands on them before coming, pharmacies in Ghana have plenty in stock, and they tend to be a lot cheaper.

2. Carry a copy of your passport

If you plan to visit different cities outside of Accra , be sure to print a copy of your passport to keep in your bag as you travel around the country. Police stops are common, and officers are known to ask for passport information.

3. Forget you have a left hand

In Ghana, actions like eating, waving and handing an item to someone are to be done with your right hand only (sorry, left-handers!). From an early age, many Ghanaians are taught that their left hand is to be used for cleaning themselves in the bathroom. Therefore, your left hand is considered filthy and should not be used for eating and other activities. Using your left hand for gestures and main tasks is considered highly disrespectful.

4. Eating with your hands is a cultural practice

Soup-based meals are paired with a starch staple food like fufu or banku and eaten with your hands (remember the right-hand rule!). Be observant of how those around you are eating, embrace the culture and dig in.

5. Keep your thumbs down 

While the thumbs-up gesture in many places signifies approval, in Ghana, it shows disrespect. 

6. Always greet others 

Greetings in Ghana are a big deal, and it’s considered rude to not greet others. When you enter a room, you should say hello, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. When you meet a group of adults and greet them with a handshake, start with the person on the farthest right. 

7. Respect your elders

Respect for elders is immense in Ghana. You should not greet elders with a hat on your head. If you are wearing a hat, take it off completely or lift it halfway while extending your greeting. Give up your seat on the bus for those older than you. Crossing your legs and having your hands in your pockets in the presence of elders are gestures that are frowned upon. 

8. Be mindful of clothing cultures from city to city

Ghanaian clothing culture tends to lean more towards the conservative side. Accra is more relaxed, and you’re likely to see more shorts and crop tops. However, people elsewhere tend to cover up, so bring clothing that covers your chest and shoulders and reaches or goes past your knees.

9. Learn common phrases in Twi and other languages 

Ghana is home to many different languages and ethnic groups. Twi, Ewe, Ga and Krobo are a few of many languages spoken depending on the region. English is widely spoken, but it's important to remember that not everyone speaks it, especially once you are out of Accra and into rural parts of Ghana. Learning a few phrases in the local language is always appreciated and embraced by Ghanaians.

10. Watch your belongings

Pickpocketing and instances of petty theft might be the biggest concern you'll have in Ghana. Pickpocketing can be prevalent in crowded areas like Osu, Madina and Makola Market. Always keep your bag in front of you and away from the roadside to avoid snatching incidents. Don't carry a large amount of cash on you.

Your phone should always be in sight and accounted for. Motorcyclists in Accra are known to snatch phones out of the hands of people as they are passing by both in cars and when walking. It is wise to never stick your phone out of a car window for pictures and videos.

11. Expect the police to stop you

Police stops in Ghana occur frequently, mainly at night but they can happen throughout the day. Your vehicle can be randomly searched by officers, and they may ask for ID and search your bag. These searches usually last for about five minutes, and it is best to comply. 

Bribery is common in Ghana, and you may be asked to "dash" officers, which means tip. You can choose to give it or not as it's often only C10 to C20 (US$0.95 to US$1.90), but it may make the difference between a five-minute stop and a 40-minute one.

Police encounters in Ghana are generally nothing to worry about. Officers may have a “tough guy” attitude, but as you talk to them more, the guard comes down and they are usually friendly. 

12. Be wary of swift romantic encounters

It’s easy to meet new people in Ghana, and conversations are always flowing. People are open to new connections and tend to get close quickly at times, but be careful of fast-moving romantic approaches and those who immediately ask for favors or money. Scams are common in Ghana and can occur in romantic encounters.

13. Be sure to carry cash

When you’re in Ghana, always have some cash on you, or you may find yourself stuck. Not every establishment accepts card payments, and if they do, the POS systems are often down. ATMs are everywhere in Ghana, so getting cash is easy. You can still bring both credit and debit cards, but be prepared that not everywhere in Ghana will accept them.

Forex Bureau exchange shops will change your cash to Ghanaian cedis. Large denomination bills (100s) will get you a higher exchange rate.

14. Avoid drinking the water 

Drinking tap water in Ghana is not a good idea because there’s no guarantee that the water has gone through the proper measures to ensure it is safe. Boil your water or use a water filter before you drink it.

15. Expect weak wi-fi in most areas

Ask your accommodation about wi-fi speeds before your arrival if you plan to use it. Even if internet speeds aren’t the best where you’re staying, you can find reliable spots such as Vida e Caffè and Basecamp Initiative .  

16. Use cash for Uber and Bolt

Download Uber and Bolt before you arrive. While paying by card is an option on both apps, don’t plan on using it. Many drivers prefer cash and will cancel your ride if they find out you are paying using your card, or it could be an issue once you arrive at your destination. You can always ask the driver to stop at an ATM before the final drop-off point. 

17. Get a local phone number

Ghana is a place where verbal conversations are preferred over texting and online communication. You can get a local SIM card at Vodafone , a phone carrier at A&C Mall in Accra, so that you have a Ghanaian number. Drivers often call their passengers to find out exactly where they are.

18. Never underestimate Accra traffic 

Accra traffic is nothing to be played with. You may see an attraction that you want to check out that is only 15 minutes away from your accommodations but it might take an hour and a half simply because of the volume of traffic. It's best not to set reservations for a place if you don't have to. While traffic and delays can be extremely frustrating, you’ll have to learn to go with the flow.

This article was first published Mar 11, 2022 and updated Mar 7, 2024.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Ghana’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ghana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ghana High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ghana.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Ghana, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Ghana.

Applying for a visa

Complete the online visa application form on the Ghana High Commission website and make the online payment.

You need to upload your supporting documents (including a yellow fever certificate) and provide hard copies. Print out the form, add supporting documents and send them by post as directed on the website. The visa processing time is 10 to 15 days.

To get a visa in around 3 days, check if you can use the express service available in person from the Ghana Premium Application Centre in London .

Extending your visa

To extend your stay, take the visa extension form and photos in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) office on Independence Avenue in Accra.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Ghana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ghana guide .

Registering with the authorities

If you live in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana and get a non-citizen Ghana card . You must register all foreign nationals aged 6 years and above in your family who are either:

• permanently resident in Ghana
• resident in Ghana for at least 90 days in any calendar year

For more information, see living in Ghana .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Ghana . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Ghana

You must declare all hard currency, using the declaration form provided on arrival. You can bring in up to a maximum Ghanaian cedi equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.

Do not carry more than 10,000 dollars in value in any foreign currency. The Ghanaian authorities can confiscate the entire amount if you are carrying cash of this value or more.

Dual nationality

Ghana recognises dual nationality. Ghanaian-British dual nationals can register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and get a dual nationality card. You can produce this card when entering Ghana to show that you do not need a visa.

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