United Kingdom Tourist Visa
Standard Visitor Visa · For Ghana citizens
Planning a trip to the UK as a Ghanaian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Standard Visitor Visa application: required documents, current fees of £127, processing times of 3 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With approximately 55% approval rate for Ghanaian applicants, thorough preparation is essential.
UK Tourist Visa for Ghanaian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Ghana citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK
Complete the online visa application form on the gov.uk website
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and daily expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the UK
Fingerprints and photograph taken at VFS Global visa application centre
Tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic in Ghana
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Ghana
Certified translations of any non-English documents
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the UK government portal.1 The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete Online Application
Fill out the visa application form at gov.uk, providing information about your travel plans, finances, employment, and background. Pay the £127 fee online.12
2. Get TB Test
Ghana is on the list of countries requiring tuberculosis testing.3 Book an appointment at an approved clinic in Accra and get your certificate before your biometrics appointment.
3. Book Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at the VFS Global visa application centre in Accra.5 Bring your passport, TB test certificate, and all supporting documents.
4. Attend Appointment
At your appointment, you will provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.1 You can use the Document Scanning Service to have your passport returned the same day.5
5. Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment.4 You will receive an email when a decision has been made, and your passport will be available for collection at the VFS centre.5
Fees
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £127 | 3 weeks |
| Priority Service | +£500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | +£1,000 | Next working day |
| 2-Year Long-Term Visa | £475 | 3 weeks |
| 5-Year Long-Term Visa | £848 | 3 weeks |
| 10-Year Long-Term Visa | £1,059 | 3 weeks |
VFS Global charges an additional service fee.5 Optional services like SMS updates, courier delivery, and premium lounge access cost extra.
What You Need to Prove
According to UK Immigration Rules, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.1 This means showing:
- Genuine intention to visit for a permitted purpose and leave at the end of your stay
- Sufficient funds to cover all costs without working or accessing public funds
- Ability to pay for your return journey and any other costs relating to your visit
- Strong ties to Ghana such as employment, family, or property that will ensure your return
- Valid travel document with at least one blank page for the visa
Processing Times
The current processing time for Standard Visitor Visa applications from Ghana is 3 weeks.4 This is measured from the date of your biometrics appointment.
Processing may take longer if:4
- Information in your application requires further consideration
- You need to provide additional evidence
- Supporting documents need verification
- You need to attend an interview
If you need a faster decision, you can pay for Priority (5 working days) or Super Priority (next working day) service.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Check the validity dates carefully. You can enter the UK any time during the validity period and stay for up to 6 months per visit.
At the UK border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward travel arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds
- Details of your travel plans
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific reasons. You can:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised
- Request administrative review in some circumstances
- Seek legal advice for complex cases
There is generally no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals. A refusal does not automatically prevent future applications, but you must address the concerns raised.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns such as large unexplained deposits close to the application date.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular income. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before applying. Ensure bank balance comfortably covers all trip costs.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Ghana after the visit, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure of 1+ years, property documents if you own any, evidence of family dependents, or ongoing business commitments.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Application contains missing documents, contradictory information, or unexplained gaps. Information does not match across different documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match across documents. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the UK or other countries raises concerns about compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved since the refusal.
Unconvincing Travel Purpose
The stated purpose of visit seems implausible, or the itinerary does not match the visa duration or applicant's profile.
How to avoid: Provide a clear, detailed, and realistic itinerary. If visiting family or friends, include invitation letters with their UK immigration status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the UK on a tourist visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit. However, you cannot live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. Immigration officers may question you if you spend more time in the UK than in Ghana.
Can I work on a UK tourist visa?
No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in the UK. This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the UK. If you need to work, you'll need to apply for an appropriate work visa.
How long does UK visa processing take from Ghana?
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500) delivers a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000) provides a decision by the end of the next working day.
What is the UK tourist visa fee for Ghanaians in 2025?
The Standard Visitor Visa fee is £127 for stays up to 6 months. Long-term visas are available: 2 years (£475), 5 years (£848), or 10 years (£1,059). VFS Global service charges apply separately.
Do I need a TB test for UK visa from Ghana?
Yes, Ghana is on the UK's list of countries where TB testing is required. You must get a TB test from an approved clinic in Accra before applying for your visa.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you are not required to book flights before applying. The UK government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
What is the approval rate for UK visas from Ghana?
The approval rate for UK visitor visas from Ghana is approximately 55%. This is lower than some other countries due to stricter scrutiny. Thorough documentation and strong ties to Ghana are essential.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can either reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues, or in some cases request an administrative review. There is generally no appeal right for visitor visas.