This comprehensive guide covers every UK visa fee in Ghana for 2026, with costs shown in both US Dollars and Ghanaian Cedis. Whether you're applying for a visitor visa, student visa, work visa, or spouse visa, you'll find accurate fee tables, processing times, and step-by-step guidance for Ghanaian applicants. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (GHS 2,832), while the Student visa is $731 (GHS 11,696) and the Spouse visa is $2,703 (GHS 43,248). Ghana ranks #10 globally for UK visitor visa applications with 47,407 submissions and a 57% grant rate according to Home Office statistics.
Understanding UK Visa Fees in Ghana 2026
The UK visa fee in Ghana is charged in US Dollars by the Home Office, though Ghanaian applicants often want to know the equivalent cost in Cedis. Throughout this guide, fees are shown in both USD and GHS using the current Bank of Ghana reference rate of approximately GHS 16 per $1 USD. Note that exchange rates fluctuate daily, and bureau de change rates may differ from official rates.
Ghana UK Visa Statistics 2025
Ghana is a significant UK visa market in West Africa. According to Home Office Immigration System Statistics (year ending September 2025), Ghanaian nationals submitted over 62,000 visa applications across all categories. Ghana has one of the lowest visitor visa grant rates globally, reflecting heightened scrutiny on financial evidence and immigration history.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
How Much is UK Visa Fee in Ghana Cedis 2026?
UK visa fees in Ghana Cedis for 2026: 6-month visitor visa is $177 (GHS 2,832), 2-year visitor visa is $662 (GHS 10,592), Student visa is $731 (GHS 11,696), Skilled Worker visa is $1,072 (GHS 17,152), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (GHS 43,248). All calculations use the Bank of Ghana reference rate of approximately GHS 16 per USD.
The Home Office charges UK visa fees in US Dollars for applications from Ghana. The table below shows all major visa fees in both USD and Ghanaian Cedis (GHS) for easy reference. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so confirm the current rate when making payment.
Complete UK Visa Fee Table in Ghana Cedis 2026
UK Visitor Visa Fee in Ghana 2026
The UK visitor visa fee for 6 months in Ghana is $177 (GHS 2,832). For frequent travellers, long-term visitor visas are available: 2-year visa costs $662 (GHS 10,592), 5-year visa costs $1,183 (GHS 18,928), and the 10-year visa costs $1,477 (GHS 23,632). In the year ending September 2025, Ghana ranked #10 globally for visitor visa applications with 47,407 submissions but only a 57% grant rate—the 2nd lowest among major nationalities.
The Standard Visitor visa is the most common visa type for Ghanaians travelling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Regardless of which visa duration you choose, each visit to the UK is limited to a maximum of 6 months.
According to Home Office statistics, 20,693 Ghanaian visitor visa applications were refused in the year ending September 2025—the 7th highest refusal volume globally. The 57% grant rate is significantly lower than countries like South Africa (96%) and China (91%), reflecting stricter scrutiny on financial evidence, travel history, and ties to Ghana.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Ghana 2026
Transit Visa Fees from Ghana
Ghanaian nationals transiting through UK airports require a transit visa. The Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) costs $54 (GHS 864) for passengers who remain in the airport transit area. For those passing through UK border control, the Visitor in Transit visa costs $98 (GHS 1,568).
UK Student Visa Fee in Ghana 2026
The UK student visa fee in Ghana 2026 is $731 (GHS 11,696). Additionally, Ghanaian students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year of study (approximately $963 or GHS 15,408 per year). Ghana ranks #10 globally for UK student visa applications, with 4,915 visas granted and an 85% grant rate in the year ending September 2025.
The UK Student visa allows Ghanaian students to study at UK educational institutions. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
The 85% student visa grant rate for Ghanaian students is below the global average of 95%, with 698 applications refused. This places Ghana among the nationalities facing higher scrutiny for student visas, alongside Bangladesh (84%) and similar to Nigeria (93%). Strong financial documentation and clear study plans are essential for Ghanaian applicants.
UK Work Visa Fee in Ghana 2026
The UK work visa fee in Ghana depends on the visa type and duration. A Skilled Worker visa for up to 3 years costs $1,072 (GHS 17,152), while visas over 3 years cost $2,118 (GHS 33,888). Health and Care Worker visas have reduced fees of $424 (GHS 6,784) for up to 3 years. Ghana ranks #9 for total work visa applications (7,083) with a 60% grant rate—one of the lowest among major nationalities.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Ghanaians seeking employment in the UK. This visa requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. Healthcare professionals may qualify for the reduced-fee Health and Care Worker visa.
Home Office statistics reveal significant challenges for Ghanaian work visa applicants. The 65% grant rate for Skilled Worker visas (1,835 refused) compares poorly to 98% for US nationals and 96% for French applicants. This reflects stricter verification of salary thresholds (minimum £38,700), English language requirements, and genuine vacancy assessments.
Skilled Worker & Health Care Visa Fees from Ghana
Global Business Mobility Visa Fees from Ghana
The Global Business Mobility routes enable Ghanaian professionals to transfer to UK branches of their companies:
- Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years): $1,072 (GHS 17,152)
- Senior or Specialist Worker (over 3 years): $2,118 (GHS 33,888)
- Graduate Trainee: $445 (GHS 7,120)
- UK Expansion Worker: $445 (GHS 7,120)
- Service Supplier: $445 (GHS 7,120)
UK Spouse & Family Visa Fee in Ghana 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Ghana is $2,703 (GHS 43,248). This covers the 33-month initial visa for partners, fiancé(e)s, and children joining family members settled in the UK. Processing takes up to 12 weeks for standard applications, or 6 weeks with priority service ($697 additional). Ghana ranks #11 for family visa applications with a 78% grant rate (451 refusals from 2,306 applications).
The UK Spouse visa enables Ghanaian nationals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. After two visa extensions (totalling 5 years), successful applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
UK Priority Visa Fee in Ghana 2026
The UK priority visa fee in Ghana is $697 (GHS 11,152) for a 5-working-day decision. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (GHS 22,320) for a next-working-day decision. These services are available for most visa categories but subject to availability at VFS Global Accra.
Standard UK visa processing time from Ghana is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas. For urgent applications, priority processing services can significantly reduce waiting times.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Ghana
The UK visa application process from Ghana involves completing an online application on gov.uk, paying the visa fee, and attending a biometrics appointment at VFS Global. For guidance on completing the application form, see our UK visa application form guide.
- Step 1: Complete online application on gov.uk and pay visa fee (USD)
- Step 2: Book biometrics appointment via VFS Global Ghana portal
- Step 3: Get TB test certificate from approved clinic (if staying 6+ months)
- Step 4: Attend VFS Global appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard) and collect passport
UK Visa Application Centre in Ghana
UK visa applications in Ghana are processed at VFS Global in Accra:
- VFS Global Accra: The Grand Oyeeman, South Liberation Link, Airport Residential Area, Accra
- Services: Biometric enrolment, document submission, premium lounge, passport courier
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 15:00 (appointments required)
TB Test Requirement for Ghanaian Applicants
Ghanaians applying for UK visas of 6 months or longer must provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a Home Office approved clinic in Ghana. The IOM clinic in Accra is the primary approved provider for TB testing.
- 6-month Visitor visa: $177 (GHS 2,832) — 57% grant rate, 20,693 refusals
- Student visa: $731 (GHS 11,696) plus IHS — 85% grant rate, #10 globally
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,072-$2,118 — 65% grant rate, #7 globally
- Spouse visa: $2,703 (GHS 43,248) — 78% grant rate, 12-week processing
- Priority service: $697 (GHS 11,152) for 5-day processing
- VFS Global Accra handles all UK visa applications from Ghana
For the most current fee information, check the official Home Office visa fee calculator. If your application is refused, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons and chances of approval after refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is UK visa fee in Ghana 2026?
The UK visa fee in Ghana depends on the visa type. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (GHS 2,832), 2-year visitor visa is $662 (GHS 10,592), Student visa is $731 (GHS 11,696), Skilled Worker visa is $1,072 (GHS 17,152), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (GHS 43,248). All fees are charged in USD and can be paid via the VFS Global payment portal.
How much is UK visa fee in Ghana Cedis?
UK visa fees in Ghana Cedis (using approximately GHS 16 per USD): 6-month visitor visa is GHS 2,832, 2-year visitor visa is GHS 10,592, 5-year visitor visa is GHS 18,928, 10-year visitor visa is GHS 23,632, Student visa is GHS 11,696, and Spouse visa is GHS 43,248. Note that exchange rates fluctuate daily.
How much is UK priority visa fee in Ghana?
The UK priority visa fee in Ghana is $697 (GHS 11,152) for a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service costs $1,395 (GHS 22,320) for a next-working-day decision. These fees are in addition to the standard visa application fee. Priority services are subject to availability at VFS Global Accra.
How much is UK student visa fee in Ghana 2026?
The UK student visa fee in Ghana 2026 is $731 (GHS 11,696). Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year of study (around $963 or GHS 15,408 annually). The total cost for a 1-year master's programme would be approximately $1,694 (GHS 27,104) including visa fee and IHS. Ghana has an 85% student visa grant rate according to Home Office statistics.
How long does UK visa take from Ghana?
Standard UK visa processing from Ghana takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor and student visas. Settlement/family visas take up to 12 weeks. With Priority service ($697), processing is 5 working days; Super Priority ($1,395) gives a decision by the next working day. Processing may take longer during peak seasons.
Where can I apply for UK visa in Ghana?
UK visa applications in Ghana are submitted through VFS Global at The Grand Oyeeman, South Liberation Link, Airport Residential Area, Accra. Book appointments via the VFS Global Ghana portal after completing your online application on gov.uk. The centre offers biometric enrolment, document submission, premium lounge, and passport courier services.
What is the UK visa success rate for Ghanaians?
UK visa success rates for Ghanaians vary by visa type according to Home Office statistics (year ending September 2025). Student visas have the highest grant rate at 85% (4,915 granted, 698 refused). Family visas have a 78% grant rate. Work visas have a 60% grant rate. Visitor visas have the lowest success rate at just 57%, with 20,693 applications refused—the 2nd lowest grant rate among major nationalities (only Bangladesh is lower at 48%). To improve your chances, provide comprehensive supporting documents, demonstrate strong ties to Ghana, and show clear evidence of funds.
What are the UK visa requirements for Ghanaians?
UK visa requirements for Ghanaian nationals include: a valid Ghanaian passport, completed online application form, proof of financial funds to cover your stay, evidence of accommodation arrangements, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to Ghana (employment, property, family). For visas of 6+ months, a TB test certificate from an approved clinic in Accra is required. Student visas require a CAS from a UK institution and proof of English language proficiency. Given the 57% visitor visa refusal rate, Ghanaian applicants should ensure all documents are comprehensive and professional.