Ghana Travel Guide

Browse the Ghana Photo Gallery

Passports and Visas

Foreign visitors to Ghana must hold a return or onward ticket, as well as the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; OR a letter from their employer guaranteeing repatriation. If passengers do not have these documents, then they are required to make a deposit, with the Immigration Office, equal to the amount of a return fare. Visas can be obtained on arrival, provided passengers have applied for prior consent from the Director of Immigration, a minimum of 48 hours before arrival in the country. The visa fee is USD 100, and travelers must ensure that their visa-on-arrival approval document contains their passport and visa numbers, as well a copy of the bio data and photo page from their passport. Applications can be made by the visitor's host, business or sponsor; or directly by fax (+233 21 258249), or email ( director@myzipnet.com). The host or applicant will require copy of the fax or email in order to pay for the visa. Visa exemptions apply to holders of Dual Nationality Cards issued by Ghana. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Ghana. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ghana. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Healthcare

Health regulations in Ghana require that visitors be in possession of a current medical vaccination certificate for yellow fever. Prophylactics against malaria are recommended and waterborne diseases are prevalent, including outbreaks of cholera during the rainy season. Visitors are advised to buy bottled drinking water, which is widely available. Bird flu has been confirmed in Ghana, but the risk to visitors is considered to be very low; as a precaution it is advisable to avoid close contact with live birds and ensure all poultry products are well cooked. Good medical facilities are found in all the cities and major towns, but facilities outside urban areas are poor and emergency services are limited. Medical insurance is advised and should cover medical evacuation.

Safety

Safety in Ghana is generally not too much of a concern but it is wise to be vigilant in public areas, particularly in and around Accra, and to avoid traveling in taxis alone after dark if possible. Visitors should avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables on them and to be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs in central Accra. Theft of luggage and travel documents has occurred at Kotoka International Airport. Visitors should also be vigilant in and around Tamale and Kumasi where there has been an increase in crime including muggings and attacks on foreigners. There is a potential for outbreaks of violence between rival political factions, fighting between inter-ethnic groups and civil unrest; travelers are advised to stay up to date with daily developments. Visitors to the Northern Region should be alert to the possibility of renewed outbreaks of inter-ethnic fighting. When traveling along the Ghanaian coastline, please exercise caution given the occurrence of strong tidal waves striking the coast.