2.1 Jurisdiction and General Procedure
A Schengen visa is intended for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen states (tourism, visits, business trips, cultural or sporting events). The German Embassy in Accra is responsible for Schengen visa applications from individuals residing in Ghana, Liberia, or Sierra Leone, and also processes Schengen applications for travel to Estonia on behalf of Estonia.
Standard procedure for applicants from Ghana:
- Book an online appointment via the Federal Foreign Office’s appointment scheduling system in the “Short-term visa/Schengen visa” category.
- Fill out the Schengen application form (VIDEX) online, print it, and sign it.
- Compile all required documents as listed in the information sheet (original + copy, in the specified order).
- In-person visit to the embassy: Submit the documents, provide biometric data, and pay the fee in GHS or by credit card.
- Review of the application by the embassy; processing time is usually approx. 14 days, up to 45 days according to the Schengen Visa Code.
The fee for Schengen visas is €90, payable in Ghanaian cedi at the embassy’s current exchange rate or by credit card (Visa/Mastercard); the processing time in Accra is stated as approximately 14 days.
2.2 Schengen Tourist Visa
Purpose: Vacation, round-trip travel, sightseeing, visiting attractions, participation in short tourist programs (without gainful employment).
Required documents (excerpt from the “Visitors” information sheet):
- Completely filled out, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form.
- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the planned stay, not older than 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages) + copy of the data page.
- 1 recent biometric passport photo (white background, no more than 6 months old).
- Original birth certificate of the applicant (first registration) + copy.
- Previous passports, if available.
- Flight reservation for round-trip (purchase of ticket recommended only after visa issuance).
- ** Visa fee €90**, payable in GHS or by credit card.
- Travel health insurance for the entire trip, valid for all Schengen countries, minimum coverage €30,000.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, travel confirmation, invitation with address) .
- Proof of social and economic ties in Ghana: marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates; current personal bank statements from the last 3 months; for students: school/university certificate with proof of paid fees and transcripts; for employees: letter of employment from the employer and pay stubs for the last 3 months; for self-employed individuals: business registration, “Form A,” tax certificate, proof of active business operations (shipping documents, import documents, invoices).
Financial means must be proven in the form of a personal, globally accessible bank account; bank statements and pay stubs serve as proof.
2.3 Schengen Visitor Visa (Family/Friends)
Purpose: Visiting relatives or friends in Germany or the Schengen Area.
In addition to the standard documents for tourist visas, the following must be submitted:
- Letter of invitation from the host in Germany (purpose, duration, relationship, accommodation details).
- Copy of the host’s German passport/ID card or residence permit.
- If applicable, proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificates).
- When attending a funeral: death certificate of the deceased person and confirmation from the funeral home.
The costs of the trip must generally be covered by the applicant; only personal bank accounts accessible worldwide are acceptable as proof of financial means.
2.4 Schengen Business Visa
Purpose: Business trips, contract negotiations, visits to trade fairs and conferences, short-term training courses without permanent employment in Germany.
In addition to the standard documents:
- Letter of invitation from a German company stating the purpose, duration, and, if applicable, coverage of expenses.
- Proof of business activities (e.g., extract from the commercial register, company profiles).
- Letter from the employer in Ghana (position, salary details, reason for travel, confirmation of return).
Fees and processing times are the same as for a tourist visa.