Emergency Travel Documents & Consular Assistance

If your Ghana passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while abroad, the nearest Ghana embassy or high commission can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate to help you travel.

Need Help Now?

Contact your nearest Ghana embassy immediately. For life-threatening emergencies, call local emergency services first (911/999/112).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Accra): +233 302 664 951

Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)

An Emergency Travel Certificate is a temporary travel document issued by Ghana embassies for Ghanaian citizens who have lost their passports or need to travel urgently.

  • Validity: Single journey, typically valid for 7-30 days
  • Purpose: Return to Ghana or travel to a destination where you can obtain a new passport
  • Processing: Typically issued within 24-48 hours for genuine emergencies
  • Fee: $30-50 USD (varies by embassy)

What to Do If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen

  1. Report to local police - File a police report immediately and obtain a written copy. This is required for the Emergency Travel Certificate.
  2. Contact the nearest Ghana embassy - Call the embassy and explain the situation. Most embassies have emergency phone lines for after-hours calls.
  3. Visit the embassy with:
    • Police report (original)
    • Two passport photographs
    • Proof of identity (photocopy of passport, Ghana Card, driver's licence, or any document with your photo)
    • Travel itinerary or flight details
    • Fee payment
  4. Receive your ETC - The embassy will verify your identity and issue the Emergency Travel Certificate.
  5. Apply for a new passport - Once you return to Ghana or reach your destination, apply for a replacement passport.

Other Consular Emergency Services

Ghana embassies can assist citizens with:

  • Arrest or detention - Consular visits, legal advice referrals, liaison with local authorities
  • Serious illness or injury - Hospital visits, contacting family in Ghana, medical evacuation coordination
  • Death of a Ghanaian citizen - Assistance with documentation, repatriation of remains, notification of family
  • Natural disasters or civil unrest - Evacuation assistance, welfare checks
  • Victim of crime - Assistance with police reports, temporary accommodation referrals
  • Destitution - Limited financial assistance in exceptional circumstances, repatriation loans

Prevention Tips

  • Keep photocopies of your passport and Ghana Card in a separate location from the originals
  • Store digital copies of all travel documents in secure cloud storage or email
  • Note down your passport number and date of issue
  • Register with your embassy when travelling for extended periods
  • Use hotel safes for passports when not needed
  • Take a photo of your passport on your phone

Emergency Contacts

  • MFA Accra: +233 302 664 951
  • Ghana Police: 191
  • Fire Service: 192
  • Ambulance: 193
  • National Emergency: 112

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