GHANA - Passport, Visa & Health Regulations

Passports:

All visitors to Ghana are required to be in possession of a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the travel date with at least one blank passport page available for a Ghana visa stamp.

Visas:

To enter Ghana as a U.S. citizen, you will require a travel visa. It is strongly advised to secure a visa before purchasing your ticket.

The earliest to apply is 120 days before the trip starts – May 15th.

Visa applications must be completed online through the Ghana Embassy website: 

 www.ghanaembassydc.org

Once you have completed the form, download and print the application.

Return Mail Service:

You are required to pay online for the return postage service for your application. . (CLICK HERE)

Payment can be made using a debit or credit card.

Applicants’ details must be used even if payment is being made by a third party.

Print the online payment receipt.

Self-addressed prepaid return envelopes or prepaid FedEx return envelopes are not accepted by the Embassy.

Shipping information should be in the applicant’s name.

All incomplete/missing documents will be returned to you at your expense.

Mail the following:

Your valid passport with the printed copy of the completed visa application

2 current passport size photos

A printed copy of the online payment receipt.

Mail to:

Embassy of Ghana

Consular Section

3512 International Dr. NW

Washington, DC, 20008

Mailing service type:

Regular service for a single entry visa (15-20 business days) - $60.00

Expedited service for a single entry visa (7 business days) - $100.00

• Please note: Passport and visa application fees are non-refundable whether your application is approved or not.
• Recommendation: Please carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page for the passport and keep it separate from your passport.

Vaccination Requirements - Ghana

• All persons 18 years and above arriving in Ghana are required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a COVID-19 vaccine.
• A person is considered fully vaccinated when he/she has taken the full doses of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) Ghana.
• You need two (2) doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Sputnik V to be declared fully vaccinated.
• One dose is required for Johnson and Johnson to be declared fully vaccinated.
• Upon arrival, each traveler aged five and over must undergo a temperature screening and COVID-19 test conducted at the airport.
• Please note: The test carries a $150 fee per person. This fee MUST be paid online before departure at https://myfrontierhealthcare.com/Home/Ghana
• Proof of payment must be presented to the airline prior to boarding.
• Test results will usually be available within 30 minutes.
• Travelers who test negative for COVID-19 will be allowed to enter Ghana with no quarantine requirement but will be advised to continue to observe COVID safety precautions following arrival in Ghana.
• Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Ghana, asymptomatic or not, will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine and treatment at a designated health facility or isolation center, for seven (7) days at the traveler’s expense. The final discharge of cases will be based on existing Ghana Government case management COVID guidelines and protocols.

Other required vaccines for diseases:

• Hepatitis A & B: Recommended
• Malaria: Recommended (prescription medication)
• Typhoid: Recommended
• Yellow fever: Required

Departing Ghana:

All International departing passengers are required to meet the following guidelines prior to departure.

• You are required to adhere to COVID testing requirements for returning to the U.S.
• You will be required to undergo a temperature screening at the entrance of Terminal 3 departures.
  

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO GHANA

Travel Information

Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa, located along the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean and just a few degrees north of the equator. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana is a richly endowed country blessed with dozens of historical monuments and tourist sites. It is also known for diverse wildlife, lush forest, old forts and miles of sandy beaches along a picturesque coast secluded beaches.

Ghana's year-round tropical warm climate along with it wildlife; exotic waterfalls such as Kintampo waterfalls, as well as the largest waterfalls in West Africa, the Tagbo Falls; Ghana's coastal palm-lined sandy beaches; caves; mountains; meteorite impact crater and lakes such as Lake Bosumtwi, make Ghana the place to be.

The wonderful diversity of natural attractions, historical heritage and the vibrant cultural identity offers visitors of Ghana a microcosmic taste of Africa. Known for the hospitality and friendliness of the people, Ghana is an obvious first port of call for, especially first-time travelers to the African continent. Ghana is one of the few English-speaking countries in the region. 

Throughout the year, there are many tribal festivals, with traditional dances and costumes. The Homowo Festival (May, Greater Accra), encourages a rich harvest. Major Christian and Islamic holidays are also celebrated. Panfest (Dec, every 2 years) celebrates Pan-African history and culture. 

Akwaaba! means Welcome! 

You will hear it several times daily as you travel around Ghana. Welcome to a haven that combines the charms of a tropical beach idyll with a fascinating historical heritage, rich cultural variety, and some interesting wildlife in the national parks.

Visa Regulations and Guidance

As for all international travel, a visitor to Ghana South Africa is required to be in possession of a valid passport. Entering Ghana as a U.S. citizen also requires a travel visa. Passport Requirements: Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay in Ghana, with at least one blank passport page available for Ghana visa stamp. Nationals of other countries must check the list of visa-exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas. 

As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport. 

Health and Medical Information

Some vaccines are recommended or required for Ghana. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis and influenza. You are also advised to consult with your doctor well in advance of your visit so that you may begin the usual-anti-malaria treatment.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Ghana's currency is the cedi (pronounced CD) which comes in denominations of GHC 50, 20, to 5 and 1. Coins come in denominations of 1 GHC and also 50p, 20p, 10p and 1 pesews. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any Forex Bureaux in the country. 

Banking

Apart from Forex Bureaux, some commercial banks also exchange foreign currency. Banks are normally open from 09:00 -14:00 GMT. Most large commercial banks will also have automatic teller machines located outside and available during and after hours. Most will take VISA and a few other credit cards.

All banks and Forex Bureaux accept Travellers Cheques although the rate of exchange may be slightly lower than for cash transactions.

Credit Cards

The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. These cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, banks, and businesses. Your card may be used for payment at most all airlines, leading hotels, and major supermarkets. However, be cautious when using your credit card to avoid fraud.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Public transportation is readily available in cities and along major inter-city routes but it is often crowded and rarely air conditioned.

Privately-operated trotro's (minibus taxis), carrying 10-20 passengers, are abundant in Accra (Ghana's administrative capital) and also provide connections to many cities. Government owned STC (State Transport Company) buses are also usually available between major cities.

You can also negotiate to charter taxi for daily or multi-day travel. Another option is rental cars - generally only available with a driver. With careful negotiating, these options can be reasonably priced and can save you the aggravation of finding your way. 

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Many restaurants in the larger towns and cities serve both European and Ghanaian dishes. For westerners, the Ghanaian food is an interesting experience. Their main dishes are organized around a starchy staple food, with which goes a sauce or soup containing a protein sauce. Food and drinks are offered for sale on the street, like roast goat meat, pieces of cleaned sugarcane, roast cobs of corn, coconut, bags and bottles of iced mineral water, oranges and plantain chips.

Stay healthy by drinking bottled water or sachets, rather than tap water and avoid ice in drinks. Bottled water for drinking is readily available throughout Ghana and is recommended. Fresh fruit is readily available.

Tipping

Tipping is permitted in hotels, restaurants etc. It is rarely added to your bill. Whenever it is not added, the quality of service should dictate your generosity to the waiter, taxi driver, porter, tour guide etc.

Climate and Weather

 Ghana has a tropical climate with temperatures varying with season and elevation. Average daily temperature is 30C (86F). The coolest time of year is between June and September when the main rainfall occurs. The minimum temperature at this time is around 23c (73F), with clear skies and lush growth to most of the country. 

Electricity and Plug Standards

If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, they should operate on or be adaptable to 220/240 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept either 3pronged or sometimes 2-pronged. British or Continental Europe type plus or converters