Sunday 7 May 2017

VISA UPON ARRIVAL AT KOTOKO AIRPORT (Accra)

GHANA VISA UPON ARRIVAL AT KOTOKO

On March 27th while I was reading about Salvador de Bahia (I was heading there on March 31st) I had a great idea to go to Accra on April 26th. At that point the last thing on my mind was that I needed a visa, I was just so happy with the price I bought the tickets for on Kenyan Airways. 

Getting a visa at the embassy was never going to be an option. The month of April was a busy month for me and I was going to be out of the country for most of the most of the month. I remember a big announcement made in July 2016 that Residents of African Union member countries can now get a visa upon arrival at Kotoko Airport. The internet provided very little detail on what the requirements were. I called the consulate in Pretoria and the response was "I don't know anything about it, ask them about it when you arrive. Take USD150." 

On April 26th, $150 dollars in hand, I took the first leg of my flight to Nairobi. At check-in they asked me if I had a visa. I panicked of course. Told them that I would apply for one upon arrival. She agreed and let me check in. I had a long stop in Nairobi and also panicked that I'd be asked the same question when I depart for Accra. Luckily I wasn't. 

The purpose of this post is to help anyone going to Accra soon on how to be ready for the visa application process. I wished I knew this when I left. So here goes. 

I don't need to remind you that you need to have a black pen with you and that when you get off the plane/bus you need to try and go to the front as quick as possible. You also need a valid passport (I doubt you'd even board the first plane without this) and a yellow fever vaccination card. 

There's an office before passport control called "visa upon arrival". That's the office that you need to go to for the application. 

  1. Take USD150. 
They don't take credit cards nor do they take any other foreign currency. They do take GHS but there are no ATMs before passport control. Don't try this. 

  1. Bring confirmation of your return ticket and accommodation while in Ghana. 

  1. You need two forms for your application and entry : 

  • The first form is an A4 sheet printed in green. Make sure that you fill in both sides.
  • The second form is an entry/departure card that's the size of a postcard. 
  • You need to go to the first window to request the A4. The other one is available in the office. 
  • Once you've filled in the form , accuracy is important, go to any window with people that are holding the A4 forms. **At this point I need to mention that this office is chaotic and no one (applicants) knows what they are doing so don't just stand and hope for the best. ** 
  • Have your documents and $150 ready. You will get nothing after this. Don't panic. Take a seat and enjoy your music and refreshments *pack refreshments* 
  • Each time they call people up you need to jump up to see if your name is called. 
  • Try remain calm throughout the process.