Wednesday 25 July 2012




Ghana Visa Regulations - Entry Requirements

1. Travel Documents
All persons entering Ghana must be in possession of a valid passport or Travel Documents establishing the identity of the holder.
Travel Documents include Laisser-Passer and other travel documents issued by International Agencies recognised by the Government of Ghana.
These are:
1.    ECOWAS
2.    United Nations and its specialized agencies
3.    The World Bank
4.    African Development Bank, etc.
Where there is doubt, it should be cleared with the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Accra.
2. Entry Visas
1.    All foreigners entering Ghana, unless covered by para 3(1) require Entry Visas. Entry Visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Ghana and may be obtained from a Ghana Embassy, High Commission or Consulate abroad.
Where Ghana has no Consular or Diplomatic representation, an application for Entry Visa may be made to the nearest Diplomatic Mission or Consulate authorised by the Government of Ghana to act on its behalf .
2.    ii. Ghana Entry Visa may be issued on arrival if the Director of Immigration has prior notification from travellers or their sponsors.
Applications must be made to:
Director Of Immigration
Ghana Immigration Service
Private Mail Bag
Ministries Post Office-Accra
Tel: 00233-21-221667 / 225321 / 224445
Fax 00233-21-226996
GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE ONLINE
3. Exemptions
The following categories are exempted from obtaining entry visas to Ghana
a. Citizens Of Ecowas Countries
Nigeria
Benin
Mauritania
Niger
Gambia
Senegal
Guinea
Sierra Leone
Guinea Bissau
Togo
Cote D'ivoire
Burkina Faso
Liberia
Cape Verde
Mali

b. Nationals of Kenya, Malaysia And Singapore

Holders Of German And Cuban Diplomatic/Service Passports

c. Persons in direct airside transit.

4. Referals (for British Diplomatic Missions and Consulates)

I. Entry Visas may be issued in accordance with the Visa Regime to the following categories of persons without reference to Accra.

1.    Members of Diplomatic and Foreign Consular officers "de carriere" travelling to or through Ghana on official business
2.    Persons in transit in Ghana who wish to break their journey in Ghana for period not exceeding 48 hours provided they are in possession of visas and onward tickets to their destination beyond Ghana and are not stateless persons

ii. Where Visas are issued without reference, details and two photographs of the persons to whom they have been issued must be forwarded to the Director of Immigration,

iii. All applications for Visas except in category 4 (I) above must be cleared with the Director of Immigration.
Referred applications should be accompanied by two recent photographs of applicant and should be forwarded by mail with statement of action taken.
Reply to referred cases will be sent by fax where applicable.
Whenever application for visas are referred, a report of local security clearance and any other relevant information must be accompanied.

iv. Visas may be obtained at the point of entry in Ghana by investors or tour operators. Prior approval for visa on arrival may be obtained from the Director of Immigration through fax or e-mail.

5. Refusal

Visa to the following category of persons should generally be refused.

1.    Prohibited Immigrants
2.    A person without visible means of support
3.    An undesirable person
4.    Any mentally handicapped person
5.    On the advice of the health authorities

6. Immigration notice

Intending travellers must note that the possession of the appropriate documents does not confer a right of entry. Travellers may be refused entry into Ghana if they fall within the category of prohibited Immigrant and if they do not satisfy Immigration requirements at the point of entry.
The Government of Ghana will not be financially liable for their repatriation.

7. Immigration Regulations

Immigrant Quota:
Persons who enter Ghana ostensibly as visitors may not be permitted to take employment.
No person shall be permitted to accept employment or undertake an occupation for reward in Ghana unless such employment is within the authorised Immigrant quota (an Immigrant quota being the number of non-Ghanaians that a person or firm can employ). An application for
Immigrant Quota must be made to:

The Secretary
Immigrant Quota Committee
Ministry Of The Interior
P.O. Box M. 42
Accra

An approval for Immigrant Quota for a foreign employee must be obtained before he proceeds to Ghana.

8. Investors

Investors to Ghana must register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.
Application for the extension of visa or automatic quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the GIPC confirming the status of the Investor.

9 Mining

Investors into the Mining Sector in Ghana must register with the Minerals Commission as approved Mining Services Company. Application for the extension of visa or Immigrant Quota must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the Minerals Commission confirming their status.

10. Professionals

It is an offence for foreign doctors, dentists, lawyers, pharmacists and other professionals to practice their profession in Ghana unless they have registered their profession in accordance with the profession of the respective ordinances.
All professionals wishing to enter Ghana to practice one of the professions are required before visas are issued to provide particulars of their qualifications in order that their eligibility for registration may be determined.

11. Prohibited Immigrants

Any person falling within the following categories.

1.    There is a deportation order in force - Part II ACT 160/63
2.    A destitute or person with no visible means of support
3.    A person of unsound mind
4.    A person declared by the Minister, or by Executive Instrument to be a person whose entry into Ghana would not be conducive to public good.
5.    A person against whom there is an extradition crime in force within the meaning of the Extradition Act, Act 22/60.

12. Fees

Some amount of money is charged for Entry Visas

www.immigration.org
www.ghanatourism.gov.gh

motgov@hotmail.com

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Bora Bora
The Romantic Island

Under a one hour flight from the island of Tahiti or Moorea, the island of Bora Bora, with a lagoon resembling an artist's palette of blues and greens, is love at first sight.Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colored fish animate the coral gardens as they greet the giant manta rays. This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatchedroof villas, and fabled ambience.
Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world.

Romance on Bora Bora
Truly, the most romantic island in the world. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale. Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.

For Visitors, The Majesty of Bora Bora offers:
Enchantment from the neon-lit turquoise lagoon waters with unending days of exploration through snorkeling and diving.
Excitement above the lagoon by outrigger canoe, Boston Whaler, wave runner, jet ski, and dramatic sunset cruises aboard a catamaran sailboat.
Exploration of the panoramic overlooks found by hike or 4x4 accompanied by entertaining local guides.
Discovery of the world-renowned shopping for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils, and precious wood handcrafts.
Tahiti Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry Requirements
Every visitor to French Polynesia must have a return airline ticket to their resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations, sufficient funds to support themselves while in French Polynesia, in addition to the following:

For U.S. and Canadian Citizens:
A passport is required that is valid for six months beyond the date of departure from French Polynesia. No visa is required for stays of up to one month. A foreigner with a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements and should consult the French Consulate for information. American citizens may also be required to carry short-stay visas in the following cases: holders of diplomatic and official passports on assignment, students enrolled in courses in French Polynesia, journalists on assignment, crew members, as well as those who will have paid activities in French Polynesia (including scientists and artists).

For French Citizens:
A National Identity Card is required and it is advised to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the date of departure from French Polynesia. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

New Zealand and Australian Citizens:
A passport is required that is valid for three months beyond the date of departure from French Polynesia. No visa is required for stays of up to one month for New Zealand citizens and for up to three months for Australian citizens except for paid activities in French Polynesia.

Japanese Citizens:
A passport is required that is valid for six months beyond the date of departure from French Polynesia. No visa is required for stays of up to one month.

Other Country Visa Requirements

Visitors Eligible for Three-Month Stays.
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of three months or less: the other European Union Countries of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, in addition to Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican.
Visitors Eligible for One-Month Stays.

Citizens of the following countries are exempt from all consular visa requirements for stays of one month or less: Argentina, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, and Uruguay.
When Visas are Obligatory
Citizens from all other countries including but not limited to Israel, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama are required to have a consular-issued visa for French Polynesia issued by a French consulate office in the country where the citizen lives. The visa must include the following wording: "Valable pour la Polynesie Francaise" (valid for French Polynesia).
For French Consulates in North America visit www.France-Consulat.org.

As Entry Requirements and Customs Regulations are subject to change without notice, always check with your travel arranger and/or the proper authorities before traveling internationally. It is the responsibility of each passenger to carry the proper travel documentation and to meet the entry conditions of each country on their itinerary.