How to renew a Ghanaian passport in the UK

How to renew a Ghana passport in the UK

There are two ways of renewing a Ghanaian passport in the UK. You can either do it online using your smart device or laptop, or you can visit one of the Ghana Consulate offices in the UK. Despite the ease and convenience of completing the renewal process online, many people will still prefer to do it in person. So, in this section, we will cover both options in more detail.

Online

To renew your Ghana passport online, head to the Ghana High Commission’s ‘Passport and Visa Application’ page. Here you will find extensive information and guidance on how to complete the process online. However, we will go through some of the steps now.

1. Carefully read all of the application requirements and the ‘Terms & Conditions’. At this stage, you will be able to gather all the relevant documentation and information you need to be able to complete the application process.

2. Click ‘Passport Application’ to begin.

3. Once you have completed the online application and submitted all the relevant details, send the physical passport, proof of payment and all relevant supporting documents to your selected processing office.

4. Applicants should only use Royal Mail Special Delivery to post documents to the processing office. Ensure that documentation is properly sealed and secured in an envelope to guarantee a safe delivery. Processing of your application will only start on receipt of your documentation at the processing office.

You can stop in the middle of your online application at any time and return at a later date to complete the process. Simply click on ‘Retrieve Application’ to return to your application where you left it.

Ghana Consulate office

Alternatively, for added peace of mind, you can visit a Ghana Consulate office and start the process of renewing your Ghanaian passport in the UK there. In total, there are three offices to choose from, one in London, another in Glasgow and a third office located in Dublin, Ireland. Simply follow this process to get started:

1. Log into the Ghana High Commission website and select the ‘Consular Section’. Select the Ghana Consulate office you will be using and make a note of the address and opening times. The addresses for the London and Glasgow offices are as follows:

• London, England

Ghana High Commission

104 Highgate Hill

London N6 5HE

0207 201 5900/ 5901

passports@ghc-uk.org

Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 1pm

• Glasgow, Scotland

The Honorary Consulate

Republic of Ghana

Swalaba

17 Bellevue Road Ayr KA7 2SA

0203 302 2288

hcgscotland@ghc-uk.org

Important note: At the time of writing, all visa applications from Scotland should be forwarded to London for processing until further notice. Please check the latest status of this when you apply.

1. Select ‘Download Passport Form’ from the menu and then the ‘Renewal Passport Option’.

2. Submit the requested information and verification, making sure that all details are entered correctly.

3. Download the application form to your device or computer and print it out.

4. Finally, fill out the form in black ink and capital letters. Bring this, along with any relevant documentation, to your chosen Ghana Consulate office. Your witness will need to complete and stamp section 15 of the passport application, as well as sign the reverse of one photograph to confirm that it is you.

In most cases, you should expect to wait up to two weeks for your new passport to be ready. Your old passport will also be returned in the post.

What do you need to renew a Ghana passport in the UK?

To renew your passport, there are several important documents and other information that you will need, in order to ensure your renewal is successful. Applicants requiring Ghana passports must be citizens of Ghana by birth, naturalisation, adoption or by any enactment. Documentary evidence must be provided in support of any such claim.

You will need:

• One passport-size photo. File size should not exceed 1 MB and file type should be jpg/pdf.

• Proof of Ghanaian citizenship (originals only).

• Documents to support Identity (originals only) such as School Certificate, Driver's Licence, Employment/Student/Other I.D. cards.

• Previous Ghanaian passport issued to you.

• Processing fee.

A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for Ghanaians who travel abroad. So making sure that you renew yours on time is essential.

How much does it cost to renew a Ghana passport?

Ghana passport renewal in the UK has a flat fee of £100 for a 32-page booklet. Acceptable payment methods include:

• Card payment at the counter (for London office applications)

• Online Payment

Cheques and cash aren’t accepted. Postal orders and banker's drafts are no longer accepted at the London office either, but if you are using the office in Dublin then this form of payment is still available.

Renewing a Ghanaian passport in the UK: top tips

To successfully renew your passport, we have some top tips to follow for a super smooth process with no complications.

• Do not wait until your passport expires before you think about renewing your Ghanaian passport in the UK. Many countries require passports to remain valid for up to six months after travel.

• Make sure all of the information you supply to the Ghana High Commission is correct. Failure to do so will mean that your passport renewal application will be rejected. If this happens, the Ghana Consulate office may call you in for an interview to discuss your application, which could drag out the whole process and cause major delays.

• If you’re unsure about what information you need to submit or have any questions during the application process, get in touch with someone at the Ghana High Commission. Always better to ask than get something wrong.

• Applicants who cannot read or write can have their passport application completed by a representative. The chosen representative will need to complete section 14 of the application form. Alternatively, if you take your passport application to a Ghana Consulate office for assistance.

By following the guidance in this article and factoring in our top tips, you will carry out the renewal of your Ghanaian passport in no time at all.