What happens to your current valid passport as Ghana rolls out chip-embedded passports?

• Posted on April 28, 2025April 28, 2025
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

As Ghana ushers in a new era of passport reforms, many citizens are asking: What happens to my current passport? Can I still travel? Will I be forced to switch immediately?

From Monday, April 28, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially begins issuing chip-embedded passports — a security-enhanced document that meets international standards and promises a smoother application process.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Do I need to replace my current passport immediately?

No. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that your current biometric passport remains valid until 2030 in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. You can continue to use it for travel without any issues until it expires.

What’s the difference between the old passport and the new chip-embedded passport?

New Security Features: The new passport contains an embedded microchip with your biometric and photo information, making it much harder to forge or tamper with.

Adinkra-Inspired Design: It features cultural symbols like “Fawohodie” (Freedom and Independence) and “Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu” (Democracy and Cooperation).

Global Compliance: The chip-embedded passports bring Ghana into full compliance with ICAO requirements.

How to apply for the new chip-embedded passport?

You can apply anytime before 2030, even if your current passport hasn’t expired. Here’s what to expect:

Online Application: Visit www.passport.mfa.gov.gh to apply.

24-Hour Processing: The Passport Office is now running 24-hour operations to fast-track applications.

15-Day Delivery: Expect delivery within 15 working days for regular service or 5 days for expedited processing.

How will I receive my new passport?

Home Delivery: You won’t pay extra for courier services.

Ghana Post: For those without reliable addresses, you can opt to pick it up at your nearest Ghana Post office.

Tracking: Applicants can now track their passports from application to delivery via the online portal.

Cost

In a surprising move, Cabinet has slashed passport application fees:

New Fee: GH?350 (down from GH?500), pending parliamentary approval.

No Hidden Charges: No extra fees for delivery or tracking services.

Important care instructions for the new passport

Because of the embedded chip:

Avoid bending: The data page is made of compressed polymer layers — don’t keep it in your back pocket.

Keep it dry: Protect it from heat and liquids.

Avoid other cards: Don’t store other chip cards (like bank cards) inside your passport.

For Ghanaians abroad

Ghanaian embassies and high commissions are ready to assist with chip-embedded passport applications for citizens living overseas.

Why all these reforms?

According to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the reforms are part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that seeks to eliminate the “goro boys” (middlemen), enhance transparency, and digitize passport services — all while creating new jobs.

Bottom Line: You can hold on to your current passport for now, but Ghana is urging all citizens to gradually make the switch ahead of the 2030 deadline.