If you’re a Ghanaian planning to visit Europe for tourism, business, study, or family reasons, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa. This visa enables you to travel freely across 27 European countries within the Schengen Area, including popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Applying for a Schengen visa from Ghana requires careful preparation and accurate documentation. A single mistake can delay your application or even lead to rejection. To help you, Secure Travel & Tours has put together a complete Schengen visa application checklist for Ghanaians (2025 update) — everything you need to know before submitting your application.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows travelers to enter, stay, and move freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is ideal for tourism, business trips, visiting family/friends, or short-term studies.
Countries in the Schengen Zone include:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Step-by-Step Schengen Visa Application Process in Ghana
Before diving into the checklist, it’s important to understand the general process of applying for a Schengen visa from Ghana:
Determine your main destination – Apply at the embassy or visa center of the country where you’ll spend the most time.
Book an appointment – Most embassies use third-party visa centers such as VFS Global or TLS Contact for appointment scheduling.
Gather all required documents – Ensure that every document is up to date and in the correct format.
Attend your visa appointment – Submit documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Wait for a decision – Processing takes about 15 working days but can take longer during busy seasons.
Collect your passport – If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.
Schengen Visa Application Checklist for Ghanaians (2025)
Below is the complete and updated checklist of all required documents for a Schengen visa from Ghana. Having every item correctly prepared will increase your chances of approval.
1. Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return date.
Must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
Must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Include photocopies of bio-data pages and previous Schengen visas (if any).
2. Schengen Visa Application Form
Complete the official Schengen visa form online or manually.
Print and sign it twice — once at the bottom of page one and again at the end.
Ensure all information matches your passport and supporting documents.
Secure Travel & Tours can help you fill your visa form accurately to avoid common errors.
3. Two Recent Passport-Sized Photos
Size: 35mm x 45mm
Taken within the last 6 months
White background, clear facial expression, no headwear (except for religious reasons).
4. Cover Letter
Your cover letter should explain:
Purpose of travel (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.)
Travel dates and countries to be visited
Funding source (personal, sponsor, company)
Strong reasons to return to Ghana after your trip (employment, family, education, etc.)
Secure Travel & Tours can assist you in writing a professional cover letter tailored to your purpose of travel.
5. Proof of Financial Means
You must show you can cover your trip expenses. Provide:
Recent 3–6 months bank statements (stamped by the bank)
Payslips or employment letter confirming income
Sponsor’s letter (if applicable) with their bank statement and ID copy
Minimum recommended amount: €60 per day for your stay.
6. Travel Insurance
Must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and across all Schengen countries.
Accepted companies include reputable international and Ghana-based insurers.
7. Proof of Accommodation
Confirmed hotel reservation(s) for your stay OR
Invitation letter from your host if staying with family/friends, including their ID and residence permit.
Secure Travel & Tours can assist in obtaining verifiable hotel reservations and travel itineraries for your visa submission.
8. Proof of Flight Booking / Travel Itinerary
A round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit dates.
Do not buy the ticket until your visa is approved.
Include your full itinerary (cities and countries to be visited).
9. Proof of Employment or Study (if applicable)
Employment letter stating position, salary, and leave approval.
Business registration documents if self-employed.
Student ID and school letter confirming enrollment (for students).
10. Travel History (if applicable)
Copies of previous visas (Schengen, UK, US, Canada, etc.)
Old passports (if available).
Travel history shows credibility and strengthens your application.
11. Additional Documents for Minors
If traveling with a child (under 18 years):
Birth certificate
Consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians
Copies of parents’ passports or ID cards
Schengen Visa Fees (2025)
As of 2025, visa fees are as follows:
Adults: €90 (approx. GHS 1,500–1,700)
Children (6–12 years): €45 (approx. GHS 850)
Children under 6 years: Free
Fees are paid in Ghanaian cedis and may vary depending on embassy exchange rates or service fees.
Schengen Visa Processing Time in Ghana
Standard processing: 15 working days
Peak season: Up to 45 days
Always apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
To avoid disappointment, ensure you don’t fall into these common mistakes:
Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Insufficient financial proof
Fake flight or hotel reservations
Weak travel purpose or unclear itinerary
Lack of strong ties to Ghana
At Secure Travel & Tours, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers successfully obtain Schengen visas. Our expert team ensures your documents are complete, consistent, and credible.
Why Choose Secure Travel & Tours
Professional assistance with visa form filling and documentation
Verified hotel and flight reservations for visa applications
Travel insurance arrangement that meets embassy standards
Expert cover letter preparation tailored to your purpose of travel
Optional interview coaching and document review service
Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or study, we make your Schengen visa Ghana application smooth and stress-free.
Contact Secure Travel & Tours Today
Location: Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 204444220
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.securetraveltouApplying for a Schengen visa from Ghana in 2025 doesn’t have to be difficult — as long as you follow the right process and submit all the correct travel documents for Europe. With the guidance of Secure Travel & Tours, you’ll be one step closer to your European dream adventure.
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