By Osei -Tutu Esther Kumah
Ghanaians residing outside the country can now initiate the renewal of their expired or soon-to-expire passports online, reducing the need to complete the entire application process in person.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made it possible for citizens in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and various European countries to complete their passport renewal applications through its online portal before visiting their nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission for biometric registration.
The arrangement allows applicants to complete their forms, submit supporting information, make payments and secure biometric appointments online before visiting their nearest Ghanaian embassy for physical verification.
The process is intended to make passport renewal more convenient for Ghanaians in the diaspora while reducing the difficulties associated with completing the entire application process in person.
How to renew your Ghanaian passport online
Applicants are required to follow these seven steps:
1. Create an account or sign in
Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official passport application website.
Applicants who already have accounts can log in, while new users must register with their contact details and verify their accounts.
2. Begin the renewal application
After signing in, select the ‘Start New Application’ option and choose ‘RENEW’ as the application category. Applicants will then be required to enter their existing passport number, which may automatically retrieve some of their previous information.
3.Complete the application form
Fill in the required sections, including personal information, evidence of Ghanaian citizenship, supporting documents, details of two guarantors and information about a professional witness.
4.Select your preferred mission and make payment
Choose your country of residence and the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission where you intend to complete the biometric process. Select the passport booklet option and make the required payment through the online platform.
5.Schedule a biometric appointment
After payment, select an available appointment date and time at your chosen mission. Download and print the completed application form and appointment confirmation. The printed application must be signed and stamped by the professional witness.
6.Attend your appointment in person
Applicants must visit their selected mission with the original supporting documents. They are required to undergo document verification, fingerprint scanning and live photograph capture. Applicants are advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled appointments.
7.Track the application and receive your passport
After biometric registration, applicants can monitor the progress of their applications through their online accounts. The tracking system provides updates from submission and enrolment through approval for printing to readiness for collection. Depending on the mission’s arrangements, passports can be collected in person or delivered through prepaid post.
Documents and requirements
Applicants must have the following:
- Their existing or expired Ghanaian passport.
- A valid Ghana Card.
- A printed and completed online application form.
- Proof of payment and appointment confirmation.
- Proof of profession, where applicable.
- Details of two guarantors who are relatives and at least 18 years old.
- One professional witness who has known the applicant for at least two years and is not one of the guarantors.
- A self addressed prepaid return envelope where required by the diplomatic mission.
Applicants are also required to present original documents during their appointments, as photocopies alone are not accepted.
How much does passport renewal cost abroad?
The standard 32-page Ghanaian passport renewal fees published for selected overseas missions as of November 2026 are:
- United Kingdom: £180.
- United States: US$130.
- Canada: US$130.
- Eurozone countries in Europe: €120.
The fees apply to standard passport renewals and new applications. Applicants seeking replacements for lost, stolen or damaged passports are subject to different charges.
For comparison, the standard 32-page passport costs GH¢350 for applications made in Ghana, while the 48-page booklet costs GH¢644.
All overseas applicants are encouraged to confirm the applicable charges on the official portal before making payment, as fees are determined by the relevant diplomatic mission. Payments are non-refundable once submitted.
The Ministry’s published information indicates that standard passport processing takes approximately 15 working days from biometric capture. However, applicants abroad may experience additional waiting periods depending on appointment availability and the transportation of completed passports from Ghana.
The Ministry has also cautioned applicants against using unauthorised intermediaries and encouraged citizens to complete their applications directly through its official online platform.
