Protocol Services

Issuance, replacement and retrieval of Diplomatic Identity Cards

Category	Details
Timeframe	Seven (7) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of Note Verbale and relevant documents from applicants Step 2: Review the application and issue ID Card
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale and duly completed Registration of Members of Diplomatic Corps Forms and attach Two (2) passport pictures with white background For missing cards, attach a Police report Return Identity Cards upon completion of duty tour Note: The return of the Identity Card of a diplomat who has ended his/her duty tour in Ghana is a precondition for the issuance of a Diplomatic Identity Card to his/her successor

Exemption on the importation/purchase of official vehicles and goods for Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within five (5) working days once application appears on the system of MFARI portal
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of Note Verbale conveying a request for Tax Identification Number (TIN) with copy of a completed Taxpayer Registration Form to the Protocol Bureau Step 2: The client is issued with a forwarding letter to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for necessary action Step 3: Forward TIN Certificate to Client
Requirements from Client	In the case of International Organisation, submit Host Country Agreement Submit Instrument of Ratification by the Parliament of Ghana In the case of International Organisation, exemption will be applied based on the existing bilateral Agreement with the host country

Registration, retrieval and transfer of Diplomatic Vehicle Registration

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within three (3) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of Note Verbale conveying the specific request with relevant documents of vehicle attached Step 2: Issue a letter to DVLA for registration, retrieval, or transfer of vehicle
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale with the following documents: Copy of exemption certificate Copy of customs declaration forms and other relevant documents of the vehicle Note: A diplomat who has ended his/her duty tour must RETURN the DVLA CD Plate issued to him/her to the Protocol Bureau before departure out of the country as it is a pre-requisite for the issuance of a new CD number plate to his/her successor

VAT Refunds

Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations can request refunds from domestic indirect taxes paid on goods and services.

Requirement

A Note Verbale attached with the appropriate form (D1 or D3) detailing the claims chronologically and VAT invoices.

Honorary Consulates are not entitled to VAT Refunds.

Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Members of the Diplomatic Corps are issued with a Tax Identification Number for the opening of a bank account and other financial transactions.

Requirement

A Note Verbale request.
A copy of a completed Taxpayer Registration Form.
The bio-data page of the applicant’s official passport.

Facilitate Permit for re-exportation, disposal of personal effects, household goods, and vehicle of Diplomats and Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within five (5) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of a Note Verbale requesting for permission to re-export personal effects, household goods or vehicle Step 2: A permit addressed “to whom it may concern” is issued by the Ministry in favour of the Diplomat, Diplomatic Mission, or International Organisation
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale with relevant documents Vehicle only upon first installation in Ghana and within 6 months upon arrival

Facilitate Diplomatic Overflight/Landing, Naval Clearance

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within six (6) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of Note Verbale conveying specific request with relevant details Step 2: Forward request to the appropriate authority for necessary action within 3 working days of receipt of Note Verbale
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale to the Ministry with relevant details for necessary action

Facilitate the processing of Driver’s License for Diplomats

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within three (3) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of a Note Verbale requesting issuance of Ghanaian Driver’s License Step 2: Copy of a valid National/International Driving Permit Step 3: The client is issued with a letter to the Licensing office for the issuance of a Ghanaian Driver’s License
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale and attach relevant documents

Facilitate the use of the VIP Lounge by Heads of Mission, International Organisations, and Senior Government Officials

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within three (3) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of Note Verbale from Diplomatic Mission or International Organisation conveying composition of delegation, designation, as well as flight details. Step 2: The request is considered and forwarded to the Officer-In-Charge at the VIP Lounge for further action.
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale with relevant details three (3) working days prior to the arrival or departure of the official.
Fee Chargeable	Rates may apply

Facilitate appointments in favor of Heads of Diplomatic Mission and International Organisations

Category	Details
Timeframe	Within five (5) working days
Processes and Procedure	Step 1: Receipt of a Note Verbale requesting an appointment with relevant details of the person seeking appointment and the subject matter Step 2: The request is forwarded to the person with whom the appointment is being sought within 3 days of receipt of Note Verbale Step 3: Response to request is then forwarded to the concerned Mission or International Organisation
Requirements from Client	Submit a Note Verbale with relevant details

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Protocol Services

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