• Processing times


Current processing times in Ghana

Most visa applications are processed within 7 working days from the date you submit your application and biometric data at the visa application centre. Settlement visa applications may take 12 weeks to process.

Important note: Visa applications are assessed individually and processing times may vary. The actual processing time of your visa application will depend on several factors and because of this you should not to make your travel arrangements to enter or transit through the United Kingdom until you have received your visa.

When to prepare your visa application

The UK Border Agency advises you to allow enough time to prepare your visa application. Some applicants can take 1 to 6 weeks to prepare their visa application and you should allow enough time to read the guidance on the visa category you are applying for, complete your visa application form, prepare your supporting documents and arrange for translations (if necessary). You can submit your visa application up to 3 months in advance of your planned travel date.

Queries about processing times

You can track the status of your application by using the 'Track your Application' facility on this website and by using the 'SMS text alert facility' (fee payable). Please do not contact the UK Border Agency or VFS unless your application has exceeded the current processing times given on this page or those published in our Customer Service Standards. If your application has exceeded these times please contact VFS using the details on the 'Contact Us' page of this website.

Guide to processing times

This UK Border Agency guide to processing times gives visa applicants information on how long their applications may take based on recent visa processing performance. The visa application centres in each country are listed alphabetically. Processing times are given in working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Performance figures are updated monthly.

Customer Service Standards

.Information on our Customer Service Standards can be found on the UK Border Agency website. The Standards set out our targets for visa processing, biometric data appointments and allowed appeals.