Ghanaian officials announced that travelers can obtain a visa-on-arrival at all ports of entry from Dec. 1, 2023, until Jan. 15, 2024.

Key Points:

  • Visitors arriving in Ghana through Jan. 15, 2024, will be admitted without pre-approval.
  • Authorities will admit travelers and grant a 30-day single-entry visa upon arrival at an airport.

Additional Information: This new directive temporarily removes the requirement for most nationals to obtain pre-approval for a visa-on-arrival before reaching an airport in Ghana. The new policy allows travelers to board flights and arrive at a Ghanian airport, make a payment of US$150 at the visa-on-arrival section in the arrival hall, and have an entry visa issued to their passports before proceeding to immigration.

BAL Analysis: Ghanaian officials said the waiver aims to increase tourism to Ghana during the holiday travel season. All airlines have been notified of the directive to facilitate effective implementation of the waiver.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

Ghana’s government has recently announced additional measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • All arriving and departing passengers are required to sign up for an account on this website with the same email address and mobile number provided to the laboratories during testing.
  • Only COVID-19 PCR test results or certificates bearing Trusted Travel or Biomars codes will be considered valid for travel out of Ghana.
  • All arriving passengers who test negative for COVID-19 at the airport are advised to self-isolate for 10 days.
  • Travelers arriving from designated COVID-19 hotspots may be required to repeat the PCR test on their third day of arrival at their own expense even if they tested negative upon arrival.

Analysis & Comments: The additional measures are designed to facilitate the digitization and verification of COVID-19 PCR test results for passengers coming to or leaving Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Ghana’s government recently implemented new measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The cost of the mandatory COVID-19 PCR test for travelers arriving in Ghana has been reduced from USD$150 to USD$50 for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals. The fee for non-ECOWAS nationals remains at USD$150.
  • Non-Ghanaian nationals who test positive for COVID-19 on arrival will bear the full cost of their isolation and treatment. Ghanaians who test positive for COVID-19 will have their isolation costs and treatment paid for by the government.
  • All workplaces must employ a shift work system for workers in addition to technological substitutes for work. This is done to reduce the number of people in a workplace at a given time.
  • Land and sea borders remain closed to all travelers for entering and leaving the country, except for those transporting cargo, goods and supplies.

Background: Previously, all travelers were required to pay USD$150 for the mandatory COVID-19 PCR test before arriving at Ghana’s airport.

Analysis & Comments: The reduction in the cost of the COVID-19 PCR test is in line with the Economic Community of West African States directives to cap the cost of COVID-19 PCR tests for traveling ECOWAS nationals within the region to USD$50. The Ghanaian government may announce additional updates in the coming weeks as the situation evolves. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Following the reopening of commercial flights on Sept. 1, airport authorities have issued new protocols for passengers arriving in and departing from Ghana.

Key Points:

  • Anyone traveling to Ghana is advised to complete a health declaration form online before departing for Ghana. The form is available here.
  • Starting Sept. 21, all arriving passengers will be required to pay USD$150 for a mandatory COVID-19 test. The fee must be paid online on this website before boarding the plane for Ghana.
  • Results for the mandatory COVID-19 test can be accessed on this website.

Analysis & Comments: The additional measures are designed to facilitate the existing protocols for passengers arriving at or leaving Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport. Passengers are advised to reach out to their respective airlines prior to their departure dates to confirm the latest pre-flight requirements. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Ghana opened its air borders Sept.1, but the country’s land and sea borders remain closed until further notice. Travelers should anticipate being subject to enhanced health protocols at the airport.

Key points:

  • Passengers arriving in Ghana must possess a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in their country of origin obtained within 72 hours of departure.
  • All arriving passengers, with the exception of children below five years of age, will be required to undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test at the Ghana airport terminal at a cost of USD $150, to be paid by the passenger. Arriving passengers who test positive for COVID-19 will receive further clinical assessment and treatment.
  • Passengers who depart Ghana and return within one week will not be required to present a COVID-19 test result from the country of departure. They will be required to take the mandatory test upon their arrival in Ghana.

Background: The reopening of air borders is in line with the Ghana government’s strategic easing of restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ghana air border reopened Sept. 1, following closure for several months beginning in March.

Additional information: Travelers wishing to enter Ghana are advised to travel by air and make arrangements in line with the announced protocols as land and sea borders remain closed until further notice. Travelers who test negative will be allowed entry into Ghana. Outbound travelers are advised to confirm current travel restrictions of intended destination countries with the respective embassies prior to departing to avoid inconveniences on arrival at their destinations.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM  

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has extended the scope of its mandatory medical examination requirement to all immigration permit applicants.

Key Points:

  • The GIS has extended the scope of its mandatory medical examinations to applicants seeking renewal of residence permits, indefinite residence permits, Right of Abode, naturalization and other residence permit types.
  • These new measures take effect June 15, and the medical examination must be completed at the GIS Clinic in Accra.
  • The medical examination fees have also increased from GHS 900 to GHS 1,100 for initial work/residence permit applications and a fee of GHS 600 introduced for work/residence permit renewal applications.

Background: Previously, only applicants for new work and residence permits were required to undergo mandatory medical examination at the GIS Clinic.

Analysis & Comments: These new measures will affect all categories of applications for immigration permits, including renewal applications. Because this will be an additional step for renewal applications, employers should account for this change and schedule medical appointments at the GIS clinic for principal applicants of work/residence permit applications accordingly.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Ghana has extended the closure of its national borders.

Key Points:

  • Air, land and sea borders are closed to all travelers for entering and leaving the country, except for the transporting of cargo, goods and supplies.
  • Ghanaian citizens abroad may access a government special dispensation program being rolled out to evacuate Ghanaians back to Ghana. Individuals arriving in Ghana under this program will undergo mandatory quarantine.

Background: The previous border closure was intended to last until May 31, but the restrictions have now been extended indefinitely.

Analysis & Comments: The extension of the border closure will impact movement of people into and out of Ghana. Employers should continue to monitor the situation, account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Ghana has extended its national border closures until May 31.

Key points:

  • Air, land and sea borders remain closed to all travelers for entering and leaving the country, except for the transporting of cargo, goods and supplies.
  • The previous border closure was intended to last until May 4, but it has been extended for an additional month, subject to further review.

Analysis & Comments: The extension of the border closures will impact the movement of people into and out of Ghana. There could be additional restrictions announced in the coming weeks as the COVID-19 situation develops. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

Ghana has lifted the partial lockdown in some areas of the country but has extended national border closures.

Key points:

  • Air, land and sea borders are closed, except for the transporting of cargo, goods and supplies. National borders will remain closed until May 4.
  • Delays are to be expected for work/residence permit application processing.
  • The restriction on movement of people and the partial lockdown in Greater Accra and Kumasi metropolitan areas and their contiguous districts has been lifted.

Additional information: The previous border closures were intended to last until April 19, but have been extended until May 4.

Analysis & Comments: The extension of border closures will impact the movement of people into and out of Ghana. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has implemented stricter measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including closing its borders and mandating quarantine for recent travelers.

Key Points:

  • As of March 22, all borders are closed for two weeks.
  • All travelers including Ghanaian citizens and foreign nationals who entered Ghana before midnight March 22 are quarantined in government-designated facilities.

Background: Last week, the government imposed an entry ban and other measures on travelers arriving from countries with a significant number of confirmed cases.

Analysis & Comments: The temporary closure of Ghana’s borders will significantly affect employee mobility. The border closure does not affect the movement of goods and supplies. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop and updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Global Travel Impact Matrix, available here, for information on travel restrictions in other countries and territories.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.