Due to the COVID-19 situation, in person appointments for visa applications are not allowed. The visa application must be completed online and the application submitted via mail. Check your local embassy or consulate for further instructions.

Accra picture

The following resources are intended for students who plan to study away at NYU Accra for a semester or full academic year. Students participating in short-term programs should visit our Visa Short-Term Travel page for more information.

Have you been accepted to NYU Accra? Congratulations! Read on to find out how to get your visa for Ghana. For information on study away details and living recommendations, contact the Office of Global Programs or go to the NYU Accra page.

If you have questions about your visa application or require assistance completing any application forms, please contact OGS or visit us during Advising Hours at the StudentLink Center.

Find out if you need a visa

ALL STUDENTS attending NYU Accra must have a Student Visa in order to study in Ghana unless the student holds a passport from Ghana, an ECOWAS Member State or other exempt country.

Visa information: Visa required prior to entry. You must have a Yellow Fever Vaccine to enter the country. NYU Health Center provides travel medical services.

How long it takes to get a visa

The earliest time to apply for your Ghanaian visa is 3 months (90 days) before the NYU Accra semester start date. The average visa processing time is 2-4 weeks. 

Prepare before you apply

Please note: access to links below will be granted upon admission to the semester or academic year away.

Step 1

Make sure you have a valid passport.

If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, use an expedited method to obtain it immediately. OGS will not be able to request the necessary immigration documents for you until you have a valid passport.

Step 2

Submit a copy of the photo and signature page of your passport to OGS via your Enrollment Portal.

  • Must be a clear scan of the bio page (including the barcode at the bottom) and signature page (passport must be signed) of your passport.
  • Must be a scan, not a photo.
  • Must be valid more than 6 months beyond the end date of your semester or academic year away

 

Step 3

Get vaccinated.

  • You must have your Yellow Fever Vaccination in order to apply for your Ghanaian visa. Contact NYU Travel Medicine Services to schedule your appointment. Be sure to book it before they fill up!
  • NYU recommends you get your vaccination 8-12 weeks prior to travel, but at the very latest, 4-6 weeks prior to travel will generally suffice.

*Please Note: There are some people who should not receive the yellow fever vaccine and may obtain a waiver from their doctor. Please see the Center for Disease Control's information on the vaccine for more information. 

Apply for a visa

Step 1

Find out which consulate you will visit to apply for your visa.

  • If you are a NYU student or live in the NYC area, apply through the Ghanaian Consulate in New York.
  • If you are a visiting student from a university or college outside of the NYC area, apply through the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
  • If you are an international student applying from your home country, search for Ghanaian embassies and consulates worldwide and apply at the embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 2

Complete your visa application.

  • If you are applying at the Ghanaian Consulate in New York, you will need to complete the online visa application. If you are applying at another consulate, fill out the application provided on their website.
    • Navigate to the "Consular Section" and then "Visa Application" on the consulate's website to begin this process. 
    • Use the sample visa application (PDF: 444 KB) for NYU Accra addresses, phone numbers, etc.
  • Review your NYU Accra Visa Document Checklist (PDF: 458 KB) and gather the required documents.
  • There is a visa fee, which must be paid by money order or debit card. Check your consulate’s website for the amount.
    • Some consulates offer the option of expediting your visa for an additional fee.

Step 3

Receive your visa.

It can take 2-4 weeks for the consulate to process your visa. Please keep in mind that you must surrender your passport for the entirety of the visa process.

Once you have your visa, you're ready to go! Please upload a copy of the visa to OGS via your Enrollment Portal. Be sure to keep proof of your yellow fever vaccination with your passport when traveling.

Step 4

You may need to apply for a Non-Citizen Registration Card.

If you are staying in Ghana for over 3 months (90 days) and are not a citizen of Ghana, you must obtain a Non-Citizen Registration Card after arrival. The NYU Accra Site Staff will assist you with the process.