Ghana Passport Application from the UK, US & Canada: ASJ Guide

Applying for a Ghanaian passport from the UK, US, or Canada follows the same core principles, but the specific logistics, fees, and document handling vary by mission. The most critical rule for all three is that you must apply online first and attend an in-person appointment for biometric capture

Here is the ASJ guide based on the official requirements from the respective missions.

🇬🇧 Applying from the United Kingdom

The Ghana High Commission in London serves the entire UK. Because your biometrics must be captured in person, a trip to London is generally unavoidable for a new passport or renewal.

The Process:

1. Apply Online: Create an account and complete the application on the official portal. Select an appointment date and time, and pay the fee online. Cash is not accepted .

2. Prepare Your Documents: You must bring original documents. Copies must be certified by a recognised notary public.

   • For All Applicants: Printed application form (signed, witnessed, and stamped by a professional), your old/expired passport, and a UK-issued government ID (e.g., British passport, Residence Permit, or Driver’s License) if available .

   • For Lost/Stolen Passports: You will need a Police Report, a copy of the bio-data page of the lost passport, an original birth certificate (authenticated by the Judicial Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana), and an affidavit/notary declaration .

   • For Change of Name: You need your original marriage certificate, supported by duly authenticated documents like a gazette, affidavit, or deed poll with a red seal .

3. Attend Your Appointment: Go to the High Commission in London for in-person vetting and biometric capture. Do not wear white. Physical passport photos are not required; you will upload one online and another will be taken at the appointment .

4. Provide a Return Envelope: You must provide a self-addressed, prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope with tracking. The Mission will use this to mail your passport to you .

Key Details:

• Guarantors & Witness: You need two guarantors (18+, known you for 2+ years) and one professional witness (resident in the UK, ideally Ghanaian) .

• Processing Time: Allow a minimum of 4–5 weeks for processing .

• Fees: All consular fees are non-refundable once paid .

🇺🇸 Applying from the United States

The process for the US is more traditional and paper-based compared to the UK’s online system. The specific requirements depend on whether you are applying at the Embassy in Washington, D.C., or another consulate.

The Process (Washington, D.C. Embassy):

1. Obtain the Form: The passport form costs $30.00 .

2. Prepare Your Documents:

   • For Renewal: Submit the completed form with 4 colour passport photos (taken within 3 months), your old passport, and a copy of your dual citizenship card/certificate .

   • For a Lost Passport: You need the form, 4 photos, an original Police Report, your Birth Certificate (original and copy), completed declaration forms (one notarized), and a colour copy of a Photo ID .

3. Pay the Fee: Payment is made by money order payable to “The Embassy Of Ghana.” The processing fee is $100.00** for a renewal and **$200.00 for a missing passport .

4. Provide a Return Envelope: Include a self-addressed, prepaid overnight envelope (FedEx, UPS, or USPS Express Mail) for the return of your passport .

Key Details:

• Processing Time: Standard processing takes 15 business days for renewals and up to 6 weeks for a missing passport. An expedited service (7 business days) is available for renewals for an additional $50.00 .

• Collection: Applications can be picked up in person at the Embassy from Monday to Thursday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST .

🇨🇦 Applying from Canada

Applicants in Canada can apply through the Consulate General in Toronto (or the High Commission in Ottawa for out-of-province applicants). The process is similar to the UK, with a strong emphasis on the online portal.

The Process:

1. Apply Online: Complete the online application form, select an appointment, and pay the fee online (processed in USD and converted to CAD by your bank). Cash is not accepted .

2. Prepare Your Documents: Bring original documents; copies must be certified by a notary public .

   • For All Applicants: Printed application form (signed and stamped by a professional), and a Canadian-issued government ID (e.g., Canadian passport, PR card, or driver’s license) if available .

   • For Renewal: Bring the physical copy of your old, expired, or full Ghana passport .

   • For Lost/Stolen Passports: You need a Police Extract/Report, a copy of the bio-data page of the lost passport, an original birth certificate (authenticated by Ghanaian authorities), and a sworn affidavit .

3. Attend Your Appointment: Go to the Consulate for in-person vetting and biometric capture. Do not wear white. Physical photos are not required; you will upload one online and another will be taken at the appointment .

4. Provide a Return Envelope: You must provide a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope with tracking. The Consulate will use this to mail your passport .

Key Details:

• Guarantors & Witness: You need two guarantors (18+, known you for 2+ years) and one professional witness (resident in Canada, ideally Ghanaian) .

• Processing Time: Please allow 6–8 weeks for processing. The 15-day processing period applies only to applicants in Ghana.

• Fees: All consular fees are non-refundable once paid .

At a Glance: Key Differences

Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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