Ghana Visa Requirements
For 🇺🇸 United States passport holders
United States passport holders must apply for a visa at a Ghana embassy or consulate before traveling.
US citizens need a visa. Apply at Ghanaian embassy before travel or online visa portal.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport for 6+ months. Visa approval. Yellow fever certificate required.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis, COVID-19.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Ghana is one of Africa's safest countries. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Normal precautions for petty theft apply, particularly in markets and bus stations. Avoid isolated beaches at night. Road conditions and driving standards can be challenging. Demonstrations occasionally occur but rarely affect tourists.
Money & Costs
Daily Budget (USD)
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in major hotels. Cash essential elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 10% for good service is generous. Hotel porters appreciate 2-5 cedis. Tour guides expect $10-20 per day. Driver tips are appreciated on longer journeys.
Practical Info
Emergency Numbers
Police: 191
Fire: 192
Ambulance: 193
Getting There
Main Airports
- Accra ACC
Airport Transfers
Accra Kotoka (ACC): Modern terminal in the city. Taxi to central Accra GHS 80-120 (30-45 minutes depending on traffic). Uber/Bolt available and cheaper. No public transport direct from airport.
Local Transport
Domestic flights connect Accra to Kumasi and Tamale. Tro-tros (minibuses) go everywhere but are crowded and slow. VIP and STC buses are more comfortable for intercity travel. Taxis are cheap but negotiate price first. Uber and Bolt work in Accra.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
November-March dry season. Harmattan winds December-February.
Cultural Notes
Ghanaians are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Respect for chiefs and elders is paramount. Ask permission before entering villages or photographing people. Funerals are major social events with elaborate celebrations of life. Traditional Ashanti customs remain strong. Use your right hand for greetings and exchanges.
Insider Tips
Ghana is known as the "Gateway to Africa" and is ideal for first-time visitors to West Africa. "Akwaaba" (welcome) reflects the genuine hospitality you'll experience. Visit Cape Coast Castle for powerful slave trade history. Try jollof rice, fufu, and kenkey. Carry small bills for market transactions. Handshakes are common and often prolonged.
Dress Code
Casual dress fine. Modest in religious areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Ghana?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit Ghana. You can apply for an e-Visa through the Ghana Immigration Service online portal (evisa.fi.gov.gh). Single-entry tourist visas allow stays up to 30 days and cost approximately $60 USD plus processing fees. Multiple-entry options are available for longer validity. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Alternatively, apply at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before travel. Visa on arrival is available for some nationalities but not typically recommended due to potential delays.
What health precautions are needed for Ghana?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Ghana and you must show proof of vaccination. Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure for additional recommended vaccines including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Meningitis, and ensuring routine vaccinations are current. Malaria is prevalent throughout Ghana, antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves/pants in the evening. Drink only bottled or purified water, avoid ice in local establishments, and eat well-cooked food. Medical facilities are limited outside major cities; comprehensive travel health insurance is essential.
Is Ghana safe for American tourists?
Ghana is generally considered one of the safer and more stable countries in West Africa for visitors. Petty crime like pickpocketing and theft occurs, particularly in crowded markets and tourist areas. Use common sense precautions: avoid displaying valuables, use hotel safes, be cautious at night, and use reputable transportation. Violent crime is less common but does occur. The border regions with neighboring countries may have elevated security concerns. Most visitors experience Ghana as welcoming and hospitable. Ghanaians are known for their friendliness, and tourism infrastructure in Accra, Cape Coast, and major destinations is reasonable.