Visa for NYU Accra

There are a number of factors that need to be considered when determining if a faculty member or research needs to obtain a visa in advance of traveling to Ghana. These factors include: country of citizenship, duration of the trip, and the purpose or activity required during the trip. If in doubt, please contact the Office of Global Services (OGS) as early as possible.

Prepare for Your Stay in Ghana

Before beginning STEP 1, be sure to have a valid passport.

A valid passport should have at least six months beyond expected return date and at minimum, two blank visa pages.

STEP 1

Complete the Immigration Assistance Request Form

Typical Timeframe: 0-1 Days

Faculty member completes the Immigration Assistance Request Form.

STEP 2

Book an Appointment with OGS

Typical Timeframe: 1-10 Days

OGS identifies proper immigration path for the intended trip and contacts faculty member.
- Faculty member books an appointment with OGS.

STEP 3

Gather Documents and Share with OGS

Typical Timeframe: 1-30 Days

Faculty member gathers their immigration and travel documents and shares with OGS via NYU Box.

Typical Documents Required to Prepare for Your Stay in Ghana

Original Passport(s)
- Passports should have at least six months beyond expected return date and at minimum, two blank visa pages
US Immigration Documents if you are not a US Citizen (i.e. permanent residence card, DS-2019, copy of visa and I-94, etc.)
Valid identification document showing proof of address within consulate jurisdiction, such as a driver's license or tax return
Updated and current CV
Photocopy of highest held degree (original degree may be required)*
Relevant course syllabus for program abroad
Travel Itinerary - even if it is tentative
Printed copy of visa application, checklist, appointment confirmation and authorization
Names and addresses of references in Ghana
Letter issued and signed by hotel/residence - it must show the name of the visa/entry permit applicant
Current Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Proof of sufficient global health insurance coverage (NYU to provide)
Passport style photos (1-4). If you are in New York and in need updated photos, the NYU StudentLink Center offers passport photo services.
Business invitation, assignment and/or appointment letter(s)
Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificate(s) if spouse/partner and/or dependent children will be traveling**
Some of the following documentation may be required (OGS staff will discuss which documentation is needed with you depending on your situation):
- Medical History or Medical Reference Letter*
- Criminal History Report(s)*
- Proof of other immunizations

* If work permit is required.
** If stay is greater than 90 days and spouse/partner and/or dependents will accompany traveler.

STEP 4

File Work Permit Application

Typical Timeframe: 30-60 Days

If work permit is required, OGS will work with the faculty member, their department or school, NYU Accra, and outside counsel (if needed) to file work permit application.

STEP 5

Complete Online Visa Application and Book Consulate Appointment

Typical Timeframe: 0-1 Day

Faculty member completes online visa application and books appointment with consulate.
Prior to visiting the consulate to apply for the visa/entry permit, the faculty member returns to OGS to have visa/Entry Permit application materials reviewed.

STEP 6

Attend Consulate Appointment

Typical Timeframe: 1 Day

Faculty member attends consulate appointment to submit visa application.

STEP 7

Pick up Visa and Passport

Typical Timeframe: 1 Day

Faculty member returns to consulate to pick up visa and passport.

STEP 8

Travel to Destination

Typical Timeframe: N/A

Faculty member travels to destination and enters showing their passport and visa/entry permit. If required, after arrival faculty member will be given their work permit.

STEP 9

Apply for Residence Permit

Typical Timeframe: 30-60 Days

Faculty member makes application for a residence permit as soon as possible after they receive their work permit. Applications for residence permits are made at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).

STEP 10

Complete the Registration Process

Typical Timeframe: 1-5 Days

Faculty member registers with the National Identity Authority. During the registration process, the faculty member completes a registration form, provides biometric information and fingerprinting, and has their photograph taken.
Once the registration is completed, the faculty member immediately receives a non-citizen registration card valid for 12 months. The registration is renewable.

STEP 11

Complete Applicable Suggested Travel Practices

Typical Timeframe: Prior to travel

Suggested travel practices

For NYU related short-term travel (less than 90 days) - register before departure for Geo Blue, the global short-term health insurance and put your travel details into NYU Traveler.
- Visit the Geo Blue website, click on Register Now, and use NYU Group Access Code: QHG99999NYU2.
Download Safe NYU App.
- If an emergency arises during travel, for overseas emergencies contact NYU’s Department of Campus Safety at +1 212-998-2222. Campus Safety regularly assists with international emergencies.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn of any travel advisories or warnings for your destination country.
Register with your local Consulate or Embassy.
- For US citizens: Register your trip with the US Bureau of Consular Affairs by going to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website or by calling the Office of Overseas Citizens services at +1 202-501-4444.
- For all other citizenships: Find out if you can register with your home country's consulate or embassy. For worldwide embassy locations, go to the GoAbroad.com Embassies website.
Leave a copy of your passport bio page and visa/letter with whomever you would think to contact in an emergency. We suggest uploading a copy of your passport bio page and all immigration documents to NYU Box for your own secure access while traveling.
Visit Center for Disease Control (CDC) for information about necessary immunization prior to travel. Some immunization services available at NYU Student Health Center - Faculty and Staff Services at SHC.

Additional Resources

Ghana Consulate New York Website
Tax information - This information is made available as a resource for individuals traveling abroad that are not being supported under the NYU Global Assignment Tax Protection Policy. Anyone seeking personal tax advice should seek consultation outside NYU.
- For individuals supported by the NYU Global Assignment Tax Protection Policy OGS will provide a brief in-person overview orientation of this Global Assignment Benefit.