Notice: ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is made up of fifteen member countries that are located in the Western African region: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
Passengers with a Laissez-Passer issued by the ECOWAS Passport do not require a visa when traveling on duty.
Consulate information
| Address: |
5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 Consular hours: Drop Mon to Thurs 10 am – 3 pm |
|
| Phone: | (202) 723-0437 | Website |
Important Facts
- COVID-19 REGULATIONS (subject to change). Travelers must have COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they are fully vaccinated. For up to date information, click on this link
- Passport must have at least six (6) months validity remaining beyond stay and at least one (1) blank visa page.
- NO VISA REQUIRED for nationals of the ECOWAS countries.
- MINOR APPLICANTS. A notarized signed consent letter of parents or guardian and a copy of birth certificate must accompany the application.
- For more information and questions contact the GC Visa office.
| Visa Application Requirements | US | NON-US |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | ✔ | ✔ |
| Completed and signed application form The application must be typewritten. Not handwritten. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Passport size photos - two (2) photos White background and should be free of shadows, photo is clear and in color, glasses not allowed. Applicant is directly facing camera w/ a neutral expression, eyes are clearly visible. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Invitation letter Letter should be addressed to the Consulate General of the Embassy or Immigration officer of the country. Must include: applicant's name as in passport, passport number, detailing the reason for traveling, dates, name, address and telephone number of the host. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Copy of flight itinerary A round trip travel airline ticket with traveler's name. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Letter of support The GC Visa office will provide | ✔ | ✔ |
| Proof of valid legal residency in the US (copy only) Be ready to show the original when applying in person. | ✔ | |
| Yellow fever certificate | ✔ | ✔ |
Forms and Links
Processing Time
| Processing time | Service type | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 business days | Regular | |
| 1 business day | Rush | |
| Same day | Super Rush |
Fee per Visa
Payment Method: Credit Card, Money Order,
| Type of Visa | Fee per Visa | Type of entry | Term of visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist/Business US Nationals | 160.00 | Multiple | 1 year |
| Tourist/Business Non-US Nationals | 70.00 | Single | 3 months |
| Tourist/Business Non-US Nationals | 150.00 | Multiple | 1 year |
| Tourist/Business Non-US Nationals | 250.00 | Multiple | 2 years |
| Tourist/Business Non-US Nationals | 350.00 | Multiple | 3 years |
| Same day Service (extra) | 75.00 | ||
| Next day Service (extra) | 50.00 |
Additional Notes
- Allow (2) two extra days for GC Visa Office to process your application.
- For Long Term/Work Visa and Children under 18, Contact GC Visa Office.
- Please note that Embassies/Country Representative Offices change the requirements on a regular basis without notifying us.
- There is a GC surcharge for our services.
Last updated: November 16, 2022