Ghana Passport Renewal & Application
Everything you need to know about the Ghana biometric passport -- application, renewal, fees, requirements, and processing times at embassies abroad.
Ghana Biometric Passport Overview
Ghana issues ICAO-compliant biometric passports with embedded microchips containing the holder's fingerprints, digital photograph, and personal data. The passport is printed at the Passport Application Centre in Accra and dispatched to embassies via diplomatic bag.
- Types: 32-page (standard) and 48-page (frequent traveller)
- Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16
- Colour: Blue (standard), Green (diplomatic/official)
- Issuing authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Fees
Domestic Applications (Ghana Passport Application Centre)
| Type | Standard | Express | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-page adult | GHS 100 | GHS 150 | GHS 200 |
| 48-page adult | GHS 150 | GHS 200 | GHS 250 |
| Child (under 16) | GHS 80 | GHS 120 | GHS 180 |
Embassy Applications (Abroad)
| Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| 32-page adult | $50 USD (or local equivalent) |
| 48-page adult | $75 USD (or local equivalent) |
| Child (under 16) | $40-50 USD |
| Emergency Travel Certificate | $30-50 USD |
Fees vary by embassy and local currency. Confirm exact fees with your specific embassy before visiting. Payment methods also vary (cash, bank transfer, money order).
Requirements
For Passport Renewal
- Current or expired Ghana passport (original)
- Completed passport application form
- Four recent passport photographs (white background, 35mm x 45mm)
- Ghana Card or proof of Ghanaian citizenship
- Proof of residence in the host country (visa, residence permit, or ID)
- Applicable fee
For New Applications (First Passport)
- Ghana birth certificate
- Ghana Card or National ID
- Guarantor's letter (from a Ghanaian citizen with a valid passport)
- Six passport photographs
- Completed application form
- Proof of Ghanaian citizenship (if born abroad: consular birth certificate or dual citizenship certificate)
For Children (Under 16)
- Child's birth certificate
- Parents' Ghana passports (both, if available)
- Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Consent letter from both parents
- Four photographs of the child
Processing Times
| Service | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (domestic) | 10-15 working days | From Passport Application Centre, Accra |
| Express (domestic) | 5-7 working days | Additional fee required |
| Premium (domestic) | 24-48 hours | Highest fee tier |
| Embassy (abroad) | 6-8 weeks | Sent to Accra for printing, returned via diplomatic bag |
| Emergency Travel Certificate | 24-48 hours | For genuine emergencies only |
Processing times at embassies can be longer during peak periods (summer, December holidays). Apply well in advance of planned travel.
Step-by-Step Process at an Embassy
- Book an appointment -- Contact your nearest Ghana embassy or high commission by phone or email to schedule a passport appointment.
- Gather documents -- Prepare all required documents, photographs, and fee payment.
- Visit the embassy -- Attend your appointment in person. Biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) will be captured at the embassy.
- Pay the fee -- Pay using the accepted payment method at that embassy.
- Receive a receipt -- Keep your receipt/reference number for tracking.
- Wait for processing -- Your application is forwarded to Accra. The passport is printed and sent back via diplomatic bag (6-8 weeks).
- Collect your passport -- The embassy will notify you when your passport is ready for collection.
Ghana Card Note
The Ghana Card (National ID) is increasingly required for passport applications and other government services. If you do not have a Ghana Card, check with your embassy about registration availability.
The Ghana Card can serve as a travel document within ECOWAS and is accepted at some borders.