Ghanaian Passport Renewal In USA (2023) Cost & How

A passport is a document or certificate used to affirm the nationality of the holder. It is of great importance to obtain the passport of your home country when you are traveling abroad so you can regain access at your chosen time of return.

A valid passport and visa avail you the opportunity to travel to any country of your choice in the world. Ghanaian ex-pats in the United States of America who statistics have revealed to be well over 178,400 traveled there to pursue the American dream of a comfortable and successful life. 

The majority of Ghanaian ex-pats migrate to the United States of America with the hope of improving their lives and that of their family back home alive and burning in them which I believe is the same for you, yes you reading this right now. 

However, while making efforts and striving to realize the American Dream, you realize that 10 years have gone by in a flash and you need to renew your Ghanaian passport. The good news is that you can renew your passport easily in the United States of America by mail or by visiting the Ghanaian Embassy in the United States in person without having to travel back home.

Can I Renew My Ghanaian Passport In The United States of America? 

Yes, you can process your Ghanaian passport renewal in The United States of America either by sending your passport renewal application via mail or by visiting the Ghanaian embassy in person. The good thing is that whether you apply via mail or physically, the cost of the application remains the same. 

It is important to let you know that you can only renew your Ghanaian passport in the United States of America if you are still in possession of your old or expired passport.

However, if your Ghanaian passport was misplaced or stolen, you will be required to submit supplementary documents and pay a considerably greater fee to replace it. A Ghanaian Passport replacement can also be applied and processed via mail in the United States of America. 

How To Renew Your Ghanaian Passport In the United States of America 

To kick off your Ghanaian passport renewal process in the United States of America, you will be required to first download the passport renewal application form from the official website of the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington DC at https://ghanaembassydc.org/ and print it out afterward. Next, you will be required to complete it with the appropriate and applicable personal details. 

Following the completion of the application form, you will be required to attach the required documents for the passport renewal process to the passport renewal application form and make payment afterward.

You would be required to then mail the passport renewal application form along with other supporting documents and the proof of payment or money order to the Ghanaian embassy located at 3512 International Drive NW, Washington D.C.20008.

 You could also choose to submit it in person at the Embassy on any day from Monday through to Thursday from 9:30 am to noon. 

Upon the approval of your passport renewal application, your new passport will either be mailed to you as you will be required to pay for the return postage service online.  You could also choose to pick it up at the Embassy on any day from Monday to Thursday between the hours of 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

It is recommended that you renew your passport nine months before its expiry date. A lot of countries will not grant you access if your passport is valid for less than six months of your visit. 

Required Documents To Renew Your Ghanaian Passport In the United States of America 

To process your Ghanaian Passport renewal in the United States of America, you will be required by the Ghanaian Embassy to provide a few supporting documents. These documents will be necessary to process your passport renewal application. 

The required documents to renew your Ghanaian Passport in the United States of America as required by the Ghanaian Embassy comprise:

  1. A duly completed and signed passport renewal application form.
  2. Your old or expired passport.
  3. Your employment Identity card or work permit.
  4. Four new passport photographs with a plain or white background with your name and signature of your witness on the reverse. 
  5. Documents supporting your identity could be an Identity Card or driver’s license.
  6. Processing fee. 

A Police report, birth certificate, and evidence of identity are required in the case of a stolen or misplaced passport. 

Additionally, in the case of a change of name, legal documents backing up and instituting the change of name which could be a marriage or divorce certificate must be provided. 

Cost Of Renewing Your Ghanaian Passport In the United States of America 

The Ghanaian Embassy in the United States of America issues the 32 pages passport. A passport renewal of the 32 pages passport costs $130 while the replacement of a stolen or misplaced passport costs $230.

 The payment methods accepted by the Embassy comprise online payment, credit card payment at the counter, or money orders payable to the Embassy of Ghana. It is important to note that passport application fees are non-refundable whether your passport renewal application was approved or not.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Ghanaian Passport Renewed In the United States of America? 

The standard processing time for Ghanaian Passport renewal in the United States of America is between eight to ten weeks. The processing time for replacing a stolen or misplaced passport is also eight weeks.

 However, if you want an expedited passport service, the standard processing time is between four to six weeks which attracts an additional fee. 

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Conclusion 

Ghanaian ex-pats living in the United States of America can process their Ghana Passport renewal in the USA easily. It can be applied for and processed through the mail or a physical visit to the Ghanaian Embassy located in Washington DC.

 However, you must be informed that you are eligible for a passport renewal only when you have an old or expired passport. A misplaced or stolen passport will have to be replaced which is a process that is quite different from a passport renewal application process. 

It is recommended that you renew your Ghanaian passport in the United States of America before it expires or as soon as it expires. Failure to renew it when due could result in an inability to travel back to Ghana or visit other countries when you desire to. 

I believe that this piece has been very helpful, and so I warmly welcome your thoughts, comments, and opinions. I have created a special place for them in the comment section below. Please feel free to head over there to drop your comments, thoughts, and opinions. I am itching to read and hear from you so please keep them coming. 

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