Visitors must hold a return or onward ticket as well as all documents needed for their next destination. Visas can be obtained on arrival provided prior consent has been obtained with the Director of Immigration a minimum of 48 hours before arrival for US$100. A copy of the bio data and photo page of the visitor's passport should accompany this application. 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.
Americans: US citizens must
have a passport and visa.
UK nationals: UK nationals must have a passport and visa.
Canadians: Canadians must have a passport and visa.
Australians: Australians must have a passport and visa.
South Africans: South Africans must have a passport and visa.
Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport and visa.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a passport and visa.
Health
Visitors must 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
Most visits to Ghana are trouble-free, 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.
