Ghana travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ghana and have at least two blank pages for the entry stamp .

Visa: Ghana has expanded its visa-free policy for 2026.

• Visa-Free Entry (90 days): Citizens of 46 countries can enter Ghana visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. This includes Austria, Canada, the UK, and the USA .
• Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of many other countries for tourism or business, provided they meet specific conditions. Some sources indicate visa on arrival is available for citizens of all countries that require a visa .
• eVisa: If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you can apply online at visa.mfa.gov.gh .
• Health Declaration Card: All travellers must complete the Health Declaration Card online within 72 hours of arrival .
• Arrival Declaration Form: All travellers must complete the Arrival Declaration Form online at arrivalsecurityghana.com .
• Required Documents:
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months .
  • Confirmed return or onward ticket .
  • Proof of accommodation .
  • Proof of sufficient funds .

Official links: Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Arrival Declaration Form

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, for travellers aged 9 months and older .

Recommended Vaccinations: Consult a travel health specialist well in advance. Recommended vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A – recommended for all travellers .
• Typhoid – recommended for most travellers.
• Hepatitis B – recommended for some travellers.
• Rabies – recommended for travellers spending time outdoors or in rural areas .
• Meningococcal ACWY – recommended for some travellers.

Key Health Risks:

• Malaria: High risk throughout the entire country . Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito-repellent measures are essential.
• Dengue Fever & Chikungunya: Mosquito-borne diseases; prevention relies on mosquito bite avoidance .
• Schistosomiasis: Risk of infection when swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams .
• Diarrhoeal Diseases: High risk; drink only bottled or boiled water and maintain strict food hygiene.

Travel Health Insurance: Essential. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as reliable care is limited, especially outside Accra .

• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of required medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription .
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled water.

Links: CDC – Ghana · Ministry of Health

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common in urban areas. Violent crime can occur, especially at night. Be vigilant in cities and avoid walking alone after dark.
• Civil Unrest: Protests and demonstrations can occur; avoid large gatherings.
• Driving: Drive on the right side of the road. Road conditions are poor outside major cities. Avoid driving at night.
• Local Laws:
  • Drugs: Penalties for drug offences are severe .
  • LGBTQ+: Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted; avoid public displays of affection .
  • Photography: Do not photograph military or government buildings.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially in public places.
• Natural Hazards: Ghana is in a seismically active zone; earthquakes can occur .

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · Austrian MFA · Australian Smartraveller

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: Ghana Police

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. Most foreign embassies are located in Accra.

• U.S. Embassy Accra: 24 Fourth Circular Road, Accra · Tel: +233 302 741 000
• British High Commission Accra: 7th Floor, Ghana International Conference Centre, Accra · Tel: +233 302 213 200
• Canadian High Commission Accra: 42 Independence Avenue, Accra · Tel: +233 302 211 550

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates in Ghana

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: Ghana is a country in West Africa, known as the "Gateway to Africa" . It is a republic and a member of the United Nations. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957 . The country is known for its stable democracy, rich cultural heritage, and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, with many coastal forts and castles .

• Capital: Accra
• Population: ~34 million
• Economy: Agriculture (cocoa), mining (gold), and services.
• Culture: A blend of African and British influences.

Official information: Visit Ghana – Official Tourism · Government of Ghana

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical, with a dry season (November to March) and a rainy season (April to October).

• Best Time to Travel: November to March, during the dry season.
• Rainy Season (Apr–Oct): Heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly, especially in public places.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Rainy Season: A lightweight raincoat or umbrella is essential.

8. Language & Communication

Official language: English. Local languages such as Twi, Fante, and Ewe are also widely spoken.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C (Europlug) and Type G (British 3-pin).
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: Yes — need an adaptor (Type C/F to Type G). For UK/Ireland: No — plugs are compatible (Type G). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 14 GHS; 1 USD ≈ 13 GHS.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially outside Accra. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money) is widely used .
• ATMs: Available in Accra.
• Price level: Low to medium — affordable compared to Western Europe.
• Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for good service.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra.

• Flights: Many airlines offer direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Buses: An extensive network connects the capital to other towns, but services are limited.

Driving: Drive on the right side of the road. Road conditions are poor outside the capital. Avoid driving at night.

Official transport pages: Kotoka Airport

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: From luxury hotels in Accra to budget guesthouses.
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00. Many shops are closed on Sundays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Ghanaian cuisine is influenced by African and British traditions.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – UTC+0. No daylight saving time .
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: -1 hour (1 hour behind Central Europe).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 3 April – Good Friday
• 5 April – Easter Sunday
• 6 April – Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 10 April – Eid al-Fitr *dates may vary
• 17 June – Eid al-Adha *dates may vary
• 6 March – Independence Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day
• 26 December – Boxing Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Ghana for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Ghana offers a range of attractions, from the historic slave forts to the vibrant capital and the wildlife of the national parks.

Official tourism pages: Visit Ghana

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Nightlife in Ghana is concentrated in Accra, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

• Accra: The city centre and the Osu district have many bars and clubs.

Festivals & events:

• Independence Day (6 March) — the national day, with celebrations and parades.
• Ghana International Trade Fair — a major trade event.
• Chale Wote Street Art Festival — a vibrant street art festival in Accra.

17. Media & Further Links

🇬🇭 Ghana — the gateway to Africa, where history and culture meet the future.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.