For all Schengen Embassies in Ghana
Common Checklist of Schengen Visa Requirements
All applicants are required to submit original documents, along with one complete set of photocopies of each document. Please ensure that your documents are arranged strictly in the order of the checklist. Original documents should be clearly separated from the photocopies.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in delays in processing or refusal of the visa application.
General Requirements (Applicable to All Visa Categories)
- Valid passport with at least three (3) months’ validity beyond the intended return date
- Previous passports (if available)
- For minors (under 18 years) travelling without one or both parents:
- Written parental consent from both parents
- Copies of parents’ ID cards or passports
- One (1) recent passport-size photograph
- One (1) completed and signed Schengen visa application form (Spanish version only)
- Return flight reservation/booking slip (do not purchase a ticket)
- Birth certificate
(For minors travelling with one parent, the birth certificate must be legalized) - Travel health insurance valid in all Schengen states, covering the entire stay and extending 15 days beyond the intended departure date
(Refer to the separate common insurance list) - Note Verbale (for diplomatic passport holders)
- Visa fee (where applicable)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or similar)
Proof of Social and Economic Ties to Country of Residence
Applicants must provide evidence such as:
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates of dependent children (if applicable)
- Official leave letter from school or university, including proof of paid fees and academic reports (if applicable)
- Original bank statements for the last three (3) months
- Employment letter stating job position, terms, and monthly income (if employed)
- Salary slips for the last three months or employment contract (if employed)
- Business documents such as business registration certificate, tax clearance certificate, and proof of active business (e.g. invoices, bills of lading, import declarations) for self-employed applicants
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover all travel and living expenses during the stay using a personal and globally accessible bank account
- The required amount depends on the duration and purpose of travel
- If trip expenses are covered by a third party, applicants should consult the relevant Schengen embassy for specific requirements, which may include a guarantee letter from a municipality or an approval letter from national police authorities
Additional Requirements by Visa Category
Airport Transit Visa
- Transit through only one Schengen airport qualifies as airport transit
- Transit through more than one Schengen airport requires a regular Schengen visa
- Invitation letter and valid visa or residence permit for the final destination (if applicable)
- Proof of purpose of travel to the final destination
Tourist Visa
- Bank statements from unlicensed microfinance institutions or rural banks are not accepted
- Applicants are advised to use bank statements from licensed financial institutions only
- Plausible travel itinerary must be provided
Private or Family Visit Visa
- Signed invitation letter from the relevant national authority and a copy of the host’s EU passport or residence permit
- For institutional or church invitations: a signed invitation letter
- Proof of family relationship to the EU host (if applicable)
Business Visa
- Signed invitation letter from the inviting company in the EU
- Verifiable proof of business relationship or proof of down payment (if applicable)
- Letter from the employer/company in the country of residence stating the purpose of travel
- Copy of the inviting company’s entry in the national commercial register
Sports Visa (Tournaments, Trials, or Transfers)
- Invitation letter from the organizer, inviting company, or sports club
- Letter of introduction from the Ghana Sports Council and the relevant sports association or federation confirming no objection
- Proof of sporting ability (CV, rankings, trophies, national team selection, or personal records)
Artists Visa (Recording, Concerts, Festivals, Performances, or Lessons)
- Introductory letter, musician association card, and proof of musical activities
- For recording: studio contract and proof of studio fee payment
- For lessons: contract stating duration and payment
- For festivals or concerts: detailed schedule and contract indicating duration and payment
Medical Visa
- Medical report from a local doctor stating diagnosis
- Confirmation letter from the treating hospital or doctor abroad, including expected treatment duration
- Estimated cost of treatment or surgery
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover medical and living expenses
- Proof of 50% advance payment (receipt from hospital or doctor)
Internship / Training / Language Course Visa
- Letter from the host institution or confirmed registration
- Details of duration and working hours (if applicable)
- Information on expected salary (if applicable)
- Proof of payment for the course or training programme
Trade Fairs Visa
For Visitors
- Trade fair ticket
- Introduction letter and registration from the employer
- Business registration certificate, Form A, tax clearance certificate, and bank statement
For Exhibitors
- Exhibitor ID and proof of payment
- Introduction letter from employer
- Business registration certificate, Form A, tax clearance certificate, and bank statement
(Exhibitors are exempt from visa fees)
Funeral Attendance Visa
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Birth certificate of the deceased
- Confirmation of funeral arrangements from the funeral service provider
