travel advisory in ghana

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COVID 19 UPDATE AS AT 20TH MAY 2023

GHANA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Individuals traveling to Ghana are required to strictly adhere to the following new directives as stated by Ghana’s President during his 16 th address to the Nation on Measures Taken Against the Spread of the Coronavirus:

• All passengers arriving in Ghana must be in possession of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin and the test must have been done not more than seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled arrival in the country. All airlines have been instructed to ensure compliance with this directive for all passengers traveling to Ghana;
• All passengers would be required to undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal upon arrival in Ghana at a fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) to be borne by the passenger. The test result will be available within thirty (30) minutes;
• Children under the age of five (5) will not be required to undergo testing at the airport;
• Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 will be handled by the health authorities for further clinical assessment and management; and
• Passengers who test negative will be admitted into the country and will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions during their stay in Ghana.

Ministry of Health / Ghana Health Service Guidelines

INTRODUCTION 

Following the declaration of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30th January 2020, several countries instituted measures to curb the spread of the disease. In Ghana, similar measures were instituted in addition to the Executive Instrument (EI) 61 requiring some practices to be enforced.

As part of plans to reopen the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, the Ghana Health Service/Ministry of Health has instituted measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID 19 in Ghana related to international travel. The outlined measures below are applicable to flight crew and passengers arriving and/or departing KIA within the period of reopening the airport to international travel until further advised.

The Ghana Health Service in collaboration with other partners will provide Port Health Services to ensure safety of flight crew, passengers and users of the airport. Port Health Services at the airport includes all health-related activities within the terminal including laboratory testing, inspection of relevant health documents, screening and triaging of passengers and the management of ill persons including transfer to appropriate health facilities; environmental inspections, supervision of cleaning and disinfection of aircraft and the entire airport terminal among others.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR DEPARTING AND ARRIVING PASSENGERS 

All passengers departing or arriving on international flights at KIA including those from the ECOWAS region will be required to meet the health requirements outlined below prior to admission into Ghana by the Ghana Immigration Service.

• Departing Passengers 

All passengers on international flights departing KIA will be required to adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements for the destination countries. All persons must be wearing a face mask appropriately (extending from the middle of the nasal bridge to halfway between the chin and the neck) and adhere to social distancing and hygiene protocols. Departing passengers will under g o COVID-19 screening including the checking of temperature.

• Arriving Passengers 

All arriving passengers must not have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 including body temperature >38°C. They must be in possession of a COVID-19 negative PCR test result from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin. The test should have been done not more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time from the country of origin. For passengers who transit through other countries before arriving in Ghana, the first country of departure will be the reference point. For passengers who depart Ghana and return within one (1) week, the passengers will not be required to present a COVID-19 test result from the country of departure. A negative COVID-19 test from Ghana used on departure will serve as evidence of meeting the COVID-19 test criteria for arriving in Ghana. In addition, all persons must be wearing face masks appropriately upon arrival (extending from the middle of the nasal bridge to halfway between the chin and the neck). All passengers will be subjected to a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal at the cost to the passenger. All persons testing positive will receive further clinical assessment and treatment. All persons testing negative will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions following arrival in Ghana.

• 5 . Exemptions 

The following categories of passengers and crew are exempt from COVID-19 PCR test Testing:

• Children under-5 years of age will not be required to undergo testing at the airport;
• Persons who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to undergo testing if they do not leave the airport or if they remain in transit such that they do not leave the hotel; and
• Airline crew are exempt from the pre-departure and arrival testing and should follow airline policy for testing.

MANAGEMENT OF CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES

All persons testing positive will receive further clinical assessment and treatment. Confirmed COVID 19 positive will be handled by the Port Health Unit for the remainder of their arrival processes. Following completion of the arrival procedures, they will be sent to the Ga East Municipal Hospital for further clinical assessment and management. All persons testing negative will be advised to continue to observe COVID-19 safety precautions following arrival in Ghana.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

18 things to know before traveling to Ghana

Mar 7, 2024 • 7 min read

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for more, here's what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana © Houssam Ghandour / Getty Images

Travelers have plenty to look forward to on their trip to culturally rich Ghana .

Welcoming Ghana is considered one of the friendliest spots in West Africa, and with its compelling history, vibrant clothing prints and flavorful dishes , tourists keep coming back for more.

Life in Ghana generally moves at a slow, relaxed pace, but it can also be chaotic and fast in different settings. Embrace the cultural differences, mass traffic and intense bargaining, and you may fall in love with the place. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning once again, here's what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana.

1. Gather the necessary documents for entry

Getting the paperwork together to visit Ghana is a process on its own and can be pricey. All visitors to Ghana must have a valid visa , and they range in cost depending on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Your visa for Ghana can take nearly three weeks to arrive unless you shell out extra for an expedited service.

A yellow fever vaccine is also required for entry into Ghana. Check with your local health department or medical clinics to get vaccinated. Malaria pills are also strongly recommended for visitors and can be prescribed by your doctor. If you can't get your hands on them before coming, pharmacies in Ghana have plenty in stock, and they tend to be a lot cheaper.

2. Carry a copy of your passport

If you plan to visit different cities outside of Accra , be sure to print a copy of your passport to keep in your bag as you travel around the country. Police stops are common, and officers are known to ask for passport information.

3. Forget you have a left hand

In Ghana, actions like eating, waving and handing an item to someone are to be done with your right hand only (sorry, left-handers!). From an early age, many Ghanaians are taught that their left hand is to be used for cleaning themselves in the bathroom. Therefore, your left hand is considered filthy and should not be used for eating and other activities. Using your left hand for gestures and main tasks is considered highly disrespectful.

4. Eating with your hands is a cultural practice

Soup-based meals are paired with a starch staple food like fufu or banku and eaten with your hands (remember the right-hand rule!). Be observant of how those around you are eating, embrace the culture and dig in.

5. Keep your thumbs down 

While the thumbs-up gesture in many places signifies approval, in Ghana, it shows disrespect. 

6. Always greet others 

Greetings in Ghana are a big deal, and it’s considered rude to not greet others. When you enter a room, you should say hello, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. When you meet a group of adults and greet them with a handshake, start with the person on the farthest right. 

7. Respect your elders

Respect for elders is immense in Ghana. You should not greet elders with a hat on your head. If you are wearing a hat, take it off completely or lift it halfway while extending your greeting. Give up your seat on the bus for those older than you. Crossing your legs and having your hands in your pockets in the presence of elders are gestures that are frowned upon. 

8. Be mindful of clothing cultures from city to city

Ghanaian clothing culture tends to lean more towards the conservative side. Accra is more relaxed, and you’re likely to see more shorts and crop tops. However, people elsewhere tend to cover up, so bring clothing that covers your chest and shoulders and reaches or goes past your knees.

9. Learn common phrases in Twi and other languages 

Ghana is home to many different languages and ethnic groups. Twi, Ewe, Ga and Krobo are a few of many languages spoken depending on the region. English is widely spoken, but it's important to remember that not everyone speaks it, especially once you are out of Accra and into rural parts of Ghana. Learning a few phrases in the local language is always appreciated and embraced by Ghanaians.

10. Watch your belongings

Pickpocketing and instances of petty theft might be the biggest concern you'll have in Ghana. Pickpocketing can be prevalent in crowded areas like Osu, Madina and Makola Market. Always keep your bag in front of you and away from the roadside to avoid snatching incidents. Don't carry a large amount of cash on you.

Your phone should always be in sight and accounted for. Motorcyclists in Accra are known to snatch phones out of the hands of people as they are passing by both in cars and when walking. It is wise to never stick your phone out of a car window for pictures and videos.

11. Expect the police to stop you

Police stops in Ghana occur frequently, mainly at night but they can happen throughout the day. Your vehicle can be randomly searched by officers, and they may ask for ID and search your bag. These searches usually last for about five minutes, and it is best to comply. 

Bribery is common in Ghana, and you may be asked to "dash" officers, which means tip. You can choose to give it or not as it's often only C10 to C20 (US$0.95 to US$1.90), but it may make the difference between a five-minute stop and a 40-minute one.

Police encounters in Ghana are generally nothing to worry about. Officers may have a “tough guy” attitude, but as you talk to them more, the guard comes down and they are usually friendly. 

12. Be wary of swift romantic encounters

It’s easy to meet new people in Ghana, and conversations are always flowing. People are open to new connections and tend to get close quickly at times, but be careful of fast-moving romantic approaches and those who immediately ask for favors or money. Scams are common in Ghana and can occur in romantic encounters.

13. Be sure to carry cash

When you’re in Ghana, always have some cash on you, or you may find yourself stuck. Not every establishment accepts card payments, and if they do, the POS systems are often down. ATMs are everywhere in Ghana, so getting cash is easy. You can still bring both credit and debit cards, but be prepared that not everywhere in Ghana will accept them.

Forex Bureau exchange shops will change your cash to Ghanaian cedis. Large denomination bills (100s) will get you a higher exchange rate.

14. Avoid drinking the water 

Drinking tap water in Ghana is not a good idea because there’s no guarantee that the water has gone through the proper measures to ensure it is safe. Boil your water or use a water filter before you drink it.

15. Expect weak wi-fi in most areas

Ask your accommodation about wi-fi speeds before your arrival if you plan to use it. Even if internet speeds aren’t the best where you’re staying, you can find reliable spots such as Vida e Caffè and Basecamp Initiative .  

16. Use cash for Uber and Bolt

Download Uber and Bolt before you arrive. While paying by card is an option on both apps, don’t plan on using it. Many drivers prefer cash and will cancel your ride if they find out you are paying using your card, or it could be an issue once you arrive at your destination. You can always ask the driver to stop at an ATM before the final drop-off point. 

17. Get a local phone number

Ghana is a place where verbal conversations are preferred over texting and online communication. You can get a local SIM card at Vodafone , a phone carrier at A&C Mall in Accra, so that you have a Ghanaian number. Drivers often call their passengers to find out exactly where they are.

18. Never underestimate Accra traffic 

Accra traffic is nothing to be played with. You may see an attraction that you want to check out that is only 15 minutes away from your accommodations but it might take an hour and a half simply because of the volume of traffic. It's best not to set reservations for a place if you don't have to. While traffic and delays can be extremely frustrating, you’ll have to learn to go with the flow.

This article was first published Mar 11, 2022 and updated Mar 7, 2024.

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Regional risks

This section has safety advice for regions of Ghana. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Civil unrest in specific local regions of Ghana can build up at short notice and may become violent, sometimes involving weapons. Avoid large crowds and political protests. Take local advice if you’re in an area with heightened political tension. Local police may impose curfews to contain the situation. Curfews usually run from 7pm to 5am but times can vary. The authorities may put out a press release which is usually posted on the Ministry of the Interior’s website .

Bawku Municipality

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Bawku Municipal area in the Upper East region of Ghana. This is due to the number of violent incidents. The Ghanaian military have deployed additional military to the region to strengthen security.

If you must travel to Bawku, you are strongly advised to contact the regional police headquarters in Bolgatanga town before travelling. Frequent curfews have been put in place in Bawku, with requirements and times changing. Security checks, including roadblocks, are often in effect and you should be prepared to show identification if asked. Be prepared for the security response to change without notice.

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Renewing a Passport Outside the United States : Learn how to renew your U.S. passport if you live in a foreign country.

Watch this video to learn if you can renew your passport by mail.

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• Is not damaged (other than normal  wear and tear ),
• Has never been reported lost or stolen,
• Was issued within the last 15 years,
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• Was issued in your current name (or you can provide a document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name)

If you want to renew a limited validity passport that is valid for less than the normal period of 10 years, you must meet these requirements:

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Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

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• Check your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive on the form filler.
• You can renew a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• Use Form DS-82 to apply for your first passport book if you only have a passport card, or to apply for your first passport card if you only have a passport book.  
• If you travel many times each year, get a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost.  Check the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-82.
• If renewing from Canada, do not include your Canadian Social Insurance Number on the form in place of your U.S. Social Security number. 

Submit your most recent U.S. passport

When you renew by mail or in person, you must submit your most recent passport(s) with your application. We will return your most recent passport book or card in a separate mailing. The most recent passport may not arrive for up to 8 weeks after you get your new passport. Learn below what document to submit based on what you want to renew:

Submit other documents if you are changing your name

If the name you are using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a  certified copy of the legal name change  document. Examples include:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-ordered name change document

We will return your name change document in a separate mailing from your new passport.

Tips for renewing from Canada :

• If your Canadian divorce decree does not show that you are returning to your maiden name, you must provide proof of your birth or maiden name. Examples include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

You must provide one photo with your application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:

• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

 Stapling your photo to the application:

• Use four staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges as possible. See example below.
• Do not bend the photo.

Pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash.

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  
• Go to our  Passport Fees  page to learn more about how much it costs to apply for a passport and how you can pay.
• Please write the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check* or money order.
• Renewing from Canada? Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars. Acceptable U.S. checks and money orders must have a 9-digit routing number. Do not include 1-2 day or express delivery fees with your payment. These services are not available to U.S. residents in Canada.

*How to fill out your check 

Submit completed application and documents

Get My Passport Fast :  If you are traveling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center. Your appointment must be within 14 calendar days of your travel date. 

If you are traveling in more than 3 weeks, mail your completed application and documents to one of the addresses below. 

Where you mail the application depends on where you live, and how fast you need your passport. 

If you live in the  United States ,  use the United States Postal Service (USPS) . If you live in  Canada , use Canada Post. 

Where to Send My Application and Supporting Documents

Want Faster Delivery?

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster delivery. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with pre-paid postage. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings.

If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services for passport card only applications.

Outside the United States (any country besides Canada):  Contact your  U.S. embassy and consulate .

Track your application status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” 

What is normal "wear and tear" of a passport?

Normal "wear and tear" of a U.S. passport does not count as damage. Normal wear includes:

• The bend of a passport after you carry it in your pocket
• Fanning of the visa pages after opening and closing the passport 

If your passport is damaged, you cannot renew it and must apply for a new passport.

Damage includes:

• Water stains
• A significant tear
• Unofficial markings on the data page
• Missing visa pages (torn out)
• A hole punch, or other injuries

Can I renew at an acceptance facility?

No. If you are renewing your passport with Form DS-82, acceptance facilities will not take your application. Acceptance facilities should never charge you a $35 fee for renewing your passport. These locations should only charge you a $35 fee if you are applying using Form DS-11.

You must mail in your renewal application (Form DS-82) yourself. Mailing your Form DS-82 can be confusing since some post offices are also passport acceptance facilities. Postal employees should not review your form and supporting documents before you mail it.

Send Form DS-82 and supporting documents using a trackable delivery method.

Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL since the address you need to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents to is a Post Office (PO) Box. 

If I already have a passport book or card, can I use the DS-82 to get the other document?

If you have a passport book  and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first  passport card .

If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport book as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport book. 

Can I send multiple renewal applications in one envelope?

Yes. If your family member or spouse is also renewing a passport, you may want to send multiple applications in the same envelope. You can pay for the applications using one check or money order. Make sure to add up the correct fees for multiple applications. 

How will you send my passport and supporting documents?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

I got a letter requesting that I resubmit my Form DS-82. What should I do?

When you renew by mail, our intake facility will review your application and supporting documents.

The intake facility will send you a letter if there is a problem with your application. The letter may include a QR code with a link to our website. Common reasons for getting this letter include:

• No signature or date on your form
• Bad or missing photo
• Pages of your form are missing
• Wrong or missing fees
• Most recent passport is missing
• Most recent passport issued over 15 years ago

Follow the instructions in the letter. You must include the letter we sent you when you resubmit the new application. 

When your application is at the intake facility, your application status will show as "Not Available" if you check our Online Passport Status System . Your application will be "In Process" once a passport agency or center begins processing your new application. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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