IMMIGRATION

An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) allows certain travellers to pass through the international transit area of an airport while connecting to another flight, without entering the country.

Travellers from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and other non-EU states often require an ATV when passing through Schengen countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands.

To apply, you’ll typically need a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket, and a valid visa or residence permit for your final destination, along with proof of itinerary and a recent passport photo.

The visa fee is usually around €90, and processing times are often around 15 calendar days.

A Ghana Visitor (Tourist) Visa is required for most travellers who are not ECOWAS passport holders or citizens of countries with bilateral visa exemption agreements.

This visa allows short-term entry into Ghana for tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends.

Visa fees range from approximately $60 to $150, depending on nationality, duration, and type of entry requested.

Processing typically takes up to 5 working days, but can be longer depending on the specific embassy or consulate. Express services are available for faster processing at an additional cost.

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows travellers to enter the United Kingdom for short stays of up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, short business trips, or private medical treatment.

Applications must be completed online, followed by an appointment at a visa application centre to submit biometrics and supporting documents, including proof of accommodation, travel history, and financial means.

You can apply up to three months before your intended travel date, and most applications are processed within 3 weeks after biometrics submission.

The standard application fee is £127, though longer-term multiple-entry visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available at higher fees.

The UK Student Visa allows individuals aged 16 and over to study in the United Kingdom at a licensed education provider.

To qualify, you must hold an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, and meet English language requirements.

Applications can be made up to six months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK, or three months before if applying from within.

Visa decisions are typically made within 3 weeks for overseas applications or 8 weeks for in-country applications. The standard application fee is £348 outside the UK and £475 inside the UK. Additional fees include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which varies by course length.

The UK Graduate Visa allows international students to remain in the United Kingdom after successfully completing an eligible course, offering the opportunity to work, gain experience, or explore career paths.

The visa is granted for two years (or three years for PhD and other doctoral graduates) and begins on the date of approval.

While it cannot be extended, holders may later switch to another immigration route such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if eligible.

Applications are submitted online before the Student Visa expires and usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.

The application fee is £880, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.

The Schengen Visa allows non-EU nationals to travel freely across the 29 countries.

Applications must be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit first, or where you will spend the most time. You can apply at least 15 days before your trip and up to 6 months in advance.

Applicants must provide a valid passport, completed visa form, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, and travel medical insurance.

Visa fees generally range from €45 to €90, with an average processing time of 15–45 days.