Ghana Passport Application And Photo

Thinking about getting a Ghanaian passport but unsure about the requirements and application steps?

In this guide, we'll explain the application process and new Ghana passport fees, list the documents you'll need, and offer advice on where to get a professional passport photo.

Table of contents

• Types of Ghanaian passports
• How to apply for a Ghanaian passport online
• How to apply for a Ghanaian passport in-person?
• Passport application for minors in Ghana: rules
• Documents required for Ghanaian passport application
• Ghanaian passport photo specifications
• Ghana Passport Picture Maker App
• Ghanaian passport fees
• Ghanaian passport validity and renewal
• Passport processing time in Ghana
• Guarantor for passport renewal in Ghana: eligibility and requirements

Types of Ghanaian passports

There are three main passport types available in Ghana:

• Ordinary (Regular) passports — these standard passports are issued to any Ghanaian citizen for travel abroad. They come in 32-page and 48-page versions, with varying fees depending on whether you choose a fast-track or regular application.
• Service passports — These are given to government employees who do not qualify for diplomatic passports, used specifically for official business travel.
• Diplomatic passports — reserved for high-ranking officials, diplomats, and their families, these passports are used for diplomatic missions and come with certain benefits and protections.

Every Ghanaian passport is biometric, and since December 2, 2024, the Ghana passport chip-embedded version has been introduced, offering advanced anti-fraud features for enhanced security and tamper resistance.

How many countries can a Ghana passport enter? — Ghanaian passport holders can travel to about 46 nations without needing a visa beforehand.

How to apply for a Ghanaian passport online

Here's a step-by-step guide to applying online:

1. Visit the Ghana.gov portal and either create a new account or log in if you already have one.
2. Click on “How to apply” and fill out the application form directly on the portal with the details needed for a Ghana passport.
3. Once completed, print out the form and sign it.
4. Set up an appointment at a Passport Application Center (PAC) for your biometric data capture.
5. Bring the printed application form and any required supporting documents to your appointment.
6. Attend the appointment for the biometric data collection.
7. Make sure to pay the necessary Ghana passport application online fees.

To make it easier to apply, Passport Application Centers (PACs) are available in major Ghanaian cities like Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Ho, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Sunyani. Here is how to book an appointment for a Ghana passport application:

1. After completing the form online, select a PAC that's convenient for you.
2. Choose from the available appointment dates, which are highlighted in white.
3. Click the "Book" button to confirm your appointment.

How to apply for a Ghanaian passport in-person?

Depending on the policies of the PAC you choose, in-person applications might not require an appointment in advance. Here is how to get a new passport in Ghana in-person:

1. Go to a PAC and pick up an application form, or download it from the portal.
2. Fill out the form by hand.
3. Submit the completed form and required documents directly at the PAC.
4. Pay the applicable fees.
5. Your biometric data will be captured at the PAC when you submit your application.

If you need assistance with your Ghana passport application, contact the Passport Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration through their official channels, including their website and dedicated helpline:

• Tel: +233 240793072 / +233 240913284
• Email: info@mfa.gov.gh / ipab@mfa.gov.gh
• Website: https://www.mfa.gov.gh

Passport application for minors in Ghana: rules

Passport application for minors in Ghana requires:

• A completed application form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• The minor’s original birth certificate.
• A copy of the parent's or guardian’s valid ID.
• Consent letter from the parent or guardian.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Payment of the applicable fee.

The application must be submitted at a Passport Application Center, and the minor (under 18) may be required to appear in person.

Documents required for Ghanaian passport application

To apply for a Ghanaian passport, you'll need to gather the following documents, depending on your situation:

For First-time applicants:

• The original document (birth certificate) to prove your Ghanaian citizenship.
• Identity proof, such as a driver’s license or National ID card.
• An introductory letter from your employer, a work ID, student identification, or business registration certificate if you run your own business.
• A recent, passport-sized photograph.

For passport renewals:

• Your original current passport.
• Copies of any valid visas within the old passport.
• New professional documents, if your job has changed.

For lost or stolen passports:

• The police report documenting the loss.
• Birth certificate, to verify your citizenship.
• Identity proof, such as a driver’s license, work ID, or student ID.
• Copies of lost passport.

For damaged passports:

• The original, damaged passport.
• Affidavit: a sworn statement explaining the damage.
• Birth certificate.
• Identity proof, such as a driver’s license, work ID, or student ID.

Note: All documents issued in Ghana must be verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.

Ghanaian passport photo specifications

Generally, you will need two to four photos depending on the specifics of your application. Keep these photo requirements in mind:

• Your Ghana passport picture size should be 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height.
• Your digital Ghana passport picture dimensions must be as follows:
  • The resolution is 600 DPI;
  • In JPEG format;
  • With a file size under 240KB.
• Choose a plain white background with no shadows or patterns.
• The face should fill 70-80% of the photo, with the chin to top of the hair approximately measuring 34.5mm. Leave about 3 mm of space from the top of the hair to the photo's edge.
• Maintain a neutral expression with your eyes open and looking directly into the camera.
• Remove glasses unless absolutely necessary and supported by a doctor's note.
• The photo should have been taken within the last six months.

Ghana Passport Picture Maker App

For an easy and economical way to obtain a passport photo that meets Ghana's official requirements, try using the 7ID App. This handy tool simplifies the process, ensuring your photo aligns with all necessary standards.

Simply upload your image to the app, choose the appropriate document type and country, and the app will adjust your photo to fit Ghana's official passport photo criteria. This includes correct sizing, format, proper background color, and precise alignment of your face and eyes. You'll receive both a digital version and a printable template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you're not satisfied with the final result, you can get a free replacement photo. Plus, if the photo is not accepted by passport authorities, a full refund is provided. The app also offers round-the-clock customer support to assist with any issues or questions you might have.

Ghanaian passport fees

How much does it take to get a passport in Ghana? Here's what you can expect to pay:

Regular fees:

• 32-page passport: GHS 500 (approx. USD 32);
• 48-page passport: GHS 644 (approx. USD 41).

Express service fees:

• 32-page passport: GHS 700 (approx. USD 45);
• 48-page passport: GHS 800 (approx. USD 51).

Ghanaian passport validity and renewal

Ghanaian passports are valid for ten years from the date they are issued.

You can start the renewal process up to six months before your current passport expires. The cost of renewing a passport is similar to that of obtaining a new one, including expedited Ghana passport renewal.

Passport processing time in Ghana

If you opt for a standard passport application, expect it to be processed in about 15 business days once all necessary documents are submitted, whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an old one. For expedited applications, processing is typically completed in three days.

Guarantor for passport renewal in Ghana: eligibility and requirements

If specific conditions apply — such as applying from another country or needing extra verification — you may need a guarantor for passport renewal.

A guarantor should be a responsible adult, ideally a relative or a reputable individual within Ghana who possesses a valid Ghanaian passport. They need to have a good relationship with the applicant and must agree to fulfill this role by completing and signing certain sections of the application form. Occasionally, particularly for applications submitted abroad, a guarantor might be asked to take part in a brief interview or provide additional information to verify their role.

Simplify the application process with 7ID app!

Download the 7ID app now for Android or iOS.

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