UK Visa Application Requirements in Ghana for Ghanaians 2020/21

1. FAQs

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

How many Ghanaians get a UK Visa?

More than 32K Ghanaian citizens apply for UK visa from Ghana every year. In fact, usually, more than 75% of applicants apply for the UK visit visa from Ghana. However, the UK visa refusal rate from Ghana is more than 40%. Therefore, 18-20K Ghanaians get a UK visa every year.

How much is the UK Visa Fees for Ghanaians?

The UK visa fees requirements for Ghanaians is different for diverse types of applications. Quite clearly, the Home Office normally revises the application charges only one time during the year. Therefore, the Home Office Fees in GBP usually remain the same during the year. Nevertheless, due to exchange rate fluctuations, the UK Visa charges in Ghanaian Cedi (GH₵) may vary during the year. Furthermore, the exchanges rate used for computing application charges in this post is GH₵5/50 to a US$. Quite clearly, Ghanaian nationals applying for UK visa need to pay the online application charges in US Dollars. However, most of the applicants like to know an approximate equivalent in Ghanaian Cedi (GH₵). Therefore, this post provides the details of the latest UK visa cost from Ghana in 2021: Price in Ghanaian Cedi (GH₵) and US Dollars.

What is the UK Visa Processing Time in Ghana?

The UK visa processing time starts when an applicant submits application and biometrics at UKVAC Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Emporium Building, 1st floor, Accra, Ghana. Indeed, the UK visa processing time from Ghana for more than 90% of the non-settlement visa applications is usually within 10-15 working days. However, the UK visa Ghana priority timeline is 5-7 working days for a straightforward case. Only a very few visit visa applications from Ghana take more than 6 weeks or thirty working days for a decision.

For instance, in Feb 2020, 93% of the UK visitor, Tier 4 student and Tier 5 work visa applications from Accra, Ghana, processed within 10-15 working days. Moreover, all the Tier 2 work visa applications from decided within thirty working days. And 91% of the EEA family permits processed within 6 six weeks. Likewise, during Jan 2020, all the long term, tourist and family visitor visa applications from Ghana processed within 15 working days. Furthermore, most of the non-settlement visa applications processed within 10-15 working days.

UK Visa Processing Time Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Ghana

In fact, due to the ongoing global impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19), disruptions to local travel and courier routes have increased UK visa processing time in some regions and countries. These delays mean that it may take longer than usual for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to assess entry clearance applications. Accordingly, the UK non-settlement visa (such as visit, tourist, work, student) processing time after biometrics during coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic may take more than 15 working days (3 weeks). Moreover, the settlement visa (spouse or family under Appendix FM) processing time after biometrics for applications from outside the UK may take more than sixty working days (12 weeks).

Delays in UK Visa Processing Time in Ghana

At times only a fraction of the applications from Ghana might experience delays in processing. There could be several reasons for delays in UK visa processing.

What if the UK visa application gets refused from Ghana?

In fact, after a refusal decision, an applicant can either reapply or challenge a refusal decision by filing an appeal, administrative or judicial review. Please note there is no right of appeal against the refusal of a UK visitor visa application from Ghana. However, a Ghanaian passport holder has the option of either re-applying or filing an immigration judicial review against the refusal.

2. Visitors

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

During 2019, 16,959 Ghanaians get the UK visitor visa during 2018 i.e. 14,965 main and 1,994 dependant applicants. Moreover, 101 and 358 Ghanaians get the transit and short-term study visa, including English Language.

Ghanaians can apply for the following types of visa applications for visiting the UK:

1. Standard Visitor Visa for family visit, tourism, or business meetings
2. Private Medical Treatment Visa
3. Marriage Visitor Visa
4. Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor Visa
5. Short Term Student Visitor Visa for Studying English Language
6. Parent of a Tier 4 child visa

UK Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Ghana 2021

Ghanaians can apply for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years standard visitor visa from Ghana. Indeed, the most common and popular application is for 6 months standard visitor visa. Therefore, a fresh applicant usually applies for the 6 months multiple-entry visitor visa for tourism or family visit, which cost GH₵665 ($121). In fact, at times applicants also refer the UK 6 months visitor visa as England or London visit visa from Ghana. Nevertheless, a repeat visitor can also apply for a long-term visitor visa for tourism and family purpose. The UK tourist visa fees from Ghana for 2, 5 and 10 years visa application are GH₵2,525 ($459), GH₵4,576 ($832) and GH₵5,747 ($1,045), respectively. Moreover, the UK visa price for infants under 5 and children under 18 are same as that for adults.

Furthermore, the additional charges for priority service from Ghana is GH₵1,540. Accordingly, the UK priority visit visa application fees in Ghanaian Cedi for 6-month, 2, 5 and 10-year applications are GH₵2,205, GH₵4,065, GH₵6,116 and GH₵7,287, respectively, for processing a visitor visa application within 5-working days instead of 3-12 weeks.

UK Standard Visitor Visa Requirements Ghana for Ghanaians

In terms of paragraphs V4.2-4.10 of Appendix V, Ghanaians can get a UK Standard Visitor Visa if they are able to satisfy that they:

1. will leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit
2. will not stay in the United Kingdom for extended periods through frequent and successive visits
3. are genuinely seeking entry for a permitted activity
4. will not make the United Kingdom their main home
5. have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable expenses relating to:
   • return or onward journey
   • dependant family members such as spouse and accompanied children
   • any planned activity such as tourism, sightseeing, private medical treatment etc.
6. have a Third-Party sponsor such as a genuine family member, friend, business partner, who will bear the trip expenses
7. will not undertake any prohibited activity set out in paragraph V 4.5 – V 4.10 of Appendix V:
   • no intentions of doing work and indulging in any prohibited activities
   • no intentions to study except as permitted in paragraph 25 of Appendix 3
   • can only receive permitted payments
   • no intentions to access medical treatment other than private medical treatment or to donate an organ
   • no intentions to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this except for in case of marriage visit visa

UK Visitor Visa Processing Time from Ghana

All the short and long-term visitor visa from Ghana usually processed within 15-30 days i.e. 3 to 6 weeks. Here it is important to note that service standard is to process all visitor visa applications within 12 weeks, respectively. Therefore, if an applicant intends to apply for a UK visa from Accra, Ghana, then may expect a decision within 1 week with priority service or 3-6 weeks with standard service.

UK Embassy in Ghana Visitor Visa Fees for Ghanaians 2020/21

3. Student

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

During 2018, 1,250 students from Ghana get the Tier 4 student visa with the following breakup:

1. PBS – Tier 4 General student (Main apps)- 1,098
2. Tier 4 Child Student (Main apps)- 17
3. PBS – Tier 4 General student (Deps) – 135

UK Student Visa Application Fees Requirements from Ghana 2020/21

The charges for Tier 4 students and their dependants are GH₵2,431($442). Moreover, the application fee is the same for entry clearance as a student to enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey or Bailiwick of Jersey. The UK visa fees from Ghana 2019 for a Tier 4 student application with priority service is GH₵3,971($722) i.e. application charges GH₵2,431 ($442) plus the priority service cost GH₵1,540 ($280).

UK Student Visa Processing Time in Ghana 2020/21

Most of the Tier 4 applications from Ghana usually conclude within 10-15 days. However, a decision can be as quick as within 5-7 working days. Moreover, a fraction of the applications takes more time. However, such applications also usually conclude within 6 weeks (thirty working days).

4. Family

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

During 2018, 765 Ghanaian citizens get the UK family visa with the following breakup:

1. Partner i.e. UK visa for Ghanaian husband or wife- 580
2. Partner (for immediate settlement)- 3
3. Child- 59
4. Child (for immediate settlement)- 113
5. Other- 10

Additionally, 34 Ghanaian citizens get a visa as a dependant partner (3) and child (31) to join or accompany their family members in the UK during 2018.

UK Spouse Visa Application Fees Requirements in Ghana 2020/21

The UK visa fees from Ghana in 2020 is GH₵10,642/- for a spouse, civil, unmarried, and same-sex partner settlement applications. Moreover, the UK embassy visa fees in Ghana are same for a fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner. However, the UK priority settlement visa fees for Ghanaian Nationals 2020 are GH₵4,004/- for fast tracking spouse applications within thirty working days or 6 weeks instead of 12-24 weeks from Ghana. Accordingly, the UK spouse visa fees from Ghana with priority settlement service is GH₵14,646/-. Please note, the settlement priority visa service is for a straightforward case. Therefore, applicants with past refusals, adverse immigration history and complex circumstances may not opt for the priority service. However, if your case is not straightforward, you can purchase the priority service at your own risk and cost!

UK spouse visa processing time from Ghana

Quite clearly, the service standard of UKVI for settlement or spouse visa from Ghana is to process 95% and 100% applications within 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. However, the service standard for spouse settlement priority visa processing is to decide an application within 30 working days or 6 weeks. Perhaps, a few spouse visa applications from Ghana conclude even within 15-30 working days i.e. 3 to 6 weeks. However, for most of the applications, the processing time is usually 12 weeks or 60 working days. Nevertheless, some applications remain outstanding even after 120 working days!

EEA Family Permit from Ghana

1,573 Ghanaians get EEA family permits during 2018. Moreover, most of the EEA family permit applications from Ghana are decided within 3-6 weeks. However, the average processing time for EEA family permit applications from Ghana is usually 2-3 working days.

UK Family Settlement Visa Fees from Ghana 2020

5. Work

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

In March 2019, the Home Office has introduced new work visa categories. The Start-up and Innovator categories introduced on 29 March 2019 and the Global Talent visa was introduced on 20 February 2020. Accordingly, these new work routes have replaced the following PBS visas:

1. Innovator visa has replaced Tier 1 Entrepreneur
2. Start-up visa has replaced Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur
3. Global Talent visa has replaced Tier 1 Exceptional Talent

Moreover, a CESC discount of £55 is applicable for the main applicant.

Tier 1 High Value Migrants

In 2018, 5 Ghanaians get the Tier 1 visa i.e. Graduate Entrepreneurs (1) and Exceptional Talent (4). Indeed, there are two few Tier 1 applications from Ghana to clearly explain the processing time from Ghana. However, a Tier 1 visa application usually concludes within 15-30 working days.

Tier 2 Skilled Workers

During 2018, 215 Ghanaians get Tier 2 (Pre-PBS equivalent) work visa under the following categories:

1. Tier 2 General- 104
2. Intracompany transfers – long-term- 30
3. Ministers of Religion – 1
4. Sportsperson – 1
5. Work permit holders- 3
6. Tier 2 (Deps)- 45
7. Tier 2 Intracompany transfers – long-term (Deps)- 27
8. Work permit holders (Deps) – 4

UK Embassy Work Visa Fees in Ghana for Ghanaians 2020/21

The Tier 2 visa application cost is referred to as UK embassy work visa fees in Ghanaian Cedi. Moreover, the Tier 2 visa application fees from Ghana are also erroneously referred to as UK work permit fees from Ghana. Please note: PBS Tier 2 replaced the UK work permit route in 2008. Moreover, the Points-based system (PBS) Tier 2 and Tier 5 application fee is also applicable to the Isle of Man. And Council of Europe Social Charter (CESC) discount of US$70/- (£55) applies to PBS main applicants.

Tier 2 Visa Processing Time from Ghana

Most of the Tier 2 applications from Ghana usually decide within fifteen working days. However, some of the applications conclude within 5-10 working days. Moreover, all the Tier 2 applications from Ghana usually decide within sixty working days. Please refer: Tier 2 General Visa for details.

Tier 5 Temporary Workers

During 2018, 231 Ghanaians get the Tier 5 temporary worker visa under the following categories:

1. Charity Workers- 23
2. Creative and Sporting- 94
3. Government Authorised Exchange- 61
4. International Agreement- 18
5. Religious Workers- 23
6. Tier 5 Dependants- 12

The application fee for Tier 5 main applicant and dependants is GH₵1,705($310) for Charity Worker, Creative and sporting, Government Authorised Exchange, Religious Worker, Youth Mobility Scheme, and International Agreement. Usually, most of the Tier 5 applications from Ghana conclude within 10-15 working days. However, usually, more than 25% of the Tier 5 applications conclude within ten working days. Moreover, only a small fraction of the Tier 5 applications from Ghana takes more than 3-6 weeks to process.

UK Work Visa Fees from Ghana 2020

6. Services

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

UK Priority and Premium Visa Services in Ghana

An applicant can fast track a UK visa and immigration application from Ghana by purchasing the priority service. As explained earlier, the cost of UK priority non-settlement and settlement (spouse) visa service in Ghana is GH₵1,540 ($280) and GH₵4,004 ($728), respectively. Moreover, the price of 24-hour same-day super-priority service in Ghana Ruble is $1,215. However, the super-priority service is yet to initiate in Ghana. Please note: an overwhelming majority of applicants erroneously refer UK priority visa as premium or express visa from Ghana. Therefore, the UK premium or express visa fees are the same as that for the priority visa.

Who may use priority visa service from Ghana?

Furthermore, it is quite important to note: if an application is straightforward and the applicant can afford the priority visa charges to fast-track a settlement or non-settlement application then it is advisable to opt for the priority from Ghana. However, the priority service does not affect or influence the outcome of the decision. Therefore, if you are purchasing the fast track service for merely influencing the decision then please don’t waste your money! Please note, a straightforward application means that the credentials of the applicant are immaculate, without any past refusals and adverse immigration history. Nevertheless, more than 30% of the business and long term visitor visa applications from Ghana decide within 1 week or five working days. Therefore, many Ghanaian businesspersons usually opt for UK visitor visa priority service.

Does the priority service guarantee anything?

No, certainly the priority service does not guarantee a favourable result. Moreover, payment for the express service does not even guarantee a quick decision. However, the UKVI usually expedite the processing of priority applications. Moreover, also inform an applicant via email, if the priority visa does process within five working days!

UK Embassy in Ghana Service Fees for Ghanaians 2020/21

7. Exemptions

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

There are no fee requirements for Ghanaians for the following types of UK visa applications from Ghana:

1. Diplomatic Posting to the UK
2. Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant)
3. Members of International Organisations on Official Visits
4. Official Transit through the UK
5. Official Visit to the UK

8. How to Apply for UK Visitor Visa from Ghana?

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

Indeed, a Ghanaian national can apply online and no paper application form is required. Therefore, no paper application form is required. Moreover, applicants can read questions in languages other than English. However, can only fill the UK visa online application form in English. Moreover, after selecting a language for reading the questions, an applicant needs to select Ghana as the country of application if an applicant is applying from inside Ghana. If a Ghanaian passport holder is applying from some other country, then needs to select that country. And need to provide the details of the permission to reside in that country.

Furthermore, the UK visitor visa application process from Ghana usually consists of the following steps:

1. Specify the Purpose of Visiting the UK
2. Fill the Online Application Form
3. Schedule an Appointment
4. Pay the Application Fees
5. Upload/Prepare the Documents Bunch
6. Biometrics at UKVAC
7. Wait for the Decision
8. Passport Collection from UKVAC

1. Specify the Purpose of Visiting the UK from Ghana

In most of the instances, the purpose of visiting the UK from Ghana is tourism, meeting family members, business. Therefore, the first step is to specify the purpose of visiting the UK. And to start gathering supporting documents. Please note: a Ghanaian national can apply for a UK visitor visa application 3 months prior to the intended visit. For instance, if a Ghanaian passport holder wishes to visit the UK for tourism from Feb 15, 2020, to 5 March 2020, then can apply at the UKVAC Accra, Ghana from Nov 15, 2019, onwards. However, Ghanaian nationals usually submit a UK visitor visa application 4-6 weeks prior to the scheduled visit as the processing time for most of the applications from Ghana is within 15-30 working days!

2. Fill the UK Visa Online Application Form in Ghana

An applicant can apply online for any type of UK visa and immigration application. Moreover, an applicant has the option of reading the questions in a few languages. However, an applicant can answer only in English. After selecting a language for reading the questions, one needs to select Ghana as the country of the application. Accordingly, after completing an application form, an applicant needs to attend an appointment at one of the UK Visa Application (UKVAC) in Accra, Ghana.

3. Schedule UK Visa Appointment in Ghana

Once an applicant has reviewed and finalised the application then can select the service the service type (standard or priority). And accordingly, can schedule an appointment at one of the UKVACs Accra, Ghana.

4. UK Visa Fees Payment in Ghana

Once an applicant has scheduled the appointment and selected the service type then can proceed forward to make payment online. And may take a printout of the final online application form.

5. Upload/Prepare the documents bunch

Quite clearly, the requirements for submitting supporting documents with the UK visa application for Ghanaian citizens is the same as that for any other visa national. Therefore, an applicant applying for a UK visa from Ghana needs to upload/submit the required supporting documents for the UK visa.

6. UK Visa Biometrics Requirements from Ghana

An applicant needs to attend an appointment at UKVAC Accra, Ghana, for biometrics, passport, application, and documents submission. Accordingly, the staff of the VFS Global application centre takes an electronic photo of the applicant at the time of application submission. Moreover, the staff of UKVAC also takes an applicant’s biometrics i.e. scanning of fingers + thumbs. Therefore, in case of a successful decision, the British HC or Embassy use the electronic photo for visa vignette.

7. Wait for the decision

The UK visa processing time from Ghana for all the short and long-term visitor visa application is usually within 10-15 working days i.e. 2 to 3 weeks. However, the UK priority visa processing time from Ghana is normally within 5-7 working days. Here it is important to note that UKVI’s service standard for UK tourist visa processing from Ghana is up-to 12 weeks for a straightforward application.

8. Passport Collection

Once the UKVI makes the decision on the application then the UKVAC will inform the applicant for passport collection. However, if your application remains unresolved even after 12 weeks or sixty working days then you need to contact the UKVI.

9. Supporting Documents

UK Embassy in Ghana Visa Application Requirements for Ghanaians

UK Visa Supporting Documents Checklist from Ghana

1. Print out of the UK visa online application form
2. Current valid Ghanaian passport
3. Previous Ghanaian passport, if applicable
4. Translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh
5. Invitation letter, if applicable
6. A UK address for staying during the visit
7. Residential address in Ghana
8. Telephone or mobile number
9. Marriage certificate, if applicable
10. Family certificate, if applicable
11. Business/Employer details
12. Tax registration certificate
13. Tax returns
14. Bank statements
15. Salary slips (for employed persons)
16. Conveyance/Mortgage Deed or Rental Agreement of the address in Ghana
17. Evidence of assets

Please note, this is not an exhaustive checklist of UK visit visa supporting documents from Ghana, as the actual supporting documents may differ due to the personal circumstances of an applicant.

Do Ghanaians require submitting any photographs?

No, Ghanaians don’t need to submit any photographs with their UK visa application in Ghana. Certainly, the UK visa application procedure has changed during the last few years. Therefore, the information relating to the requirement of submitting a photograph with the UK entry clearance application form and supporting documents is misleading and outdated.