Ghana is considered a good and welcoming place, especially for first-time travelers to Africa. Tourism is a growing industry in Ghana.
Ghana presents a lot of opportunities to experience Africa through national parks, nature reserves and villages.
English is the official language of Ghana. But, not always the primary language people speak. Local languages also include Ga, Twi and Ewe.
The largest city, Accra is also the capital city of Ghana. Accra is a growing city with modern amenities of hotels, restaurants and a vast number of museums.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
See the table below for more information:
While proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry to Ghana, it is highly recommended. Yellow fever transmission is widespread throughout Ghana, some countries may require proof of immunization when traveling to them from Ghana.
Malaria is present in all regions of Ghana. Travelers are advised to take antimalarials no matter their destination or itinerary in the country. Malaria in Ghana is chloroquine resistant, be sure to speak with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial is best for your trip.
Outside of Accra, access to medical facilities is limited. Make sure to bring any prescriptions you will need.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using CDC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
Safeguard your health while abroad by consuming cooked and hot foods, opting for bottled or sealed drinks, and practicing proper hand-washing. Limit your exposure to risky local dishes. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea, maintain these precautions: eat carefully prepared foods, avoid untreated water, sanitize your hands, consider probiotics, and exercise caution with unfamiliar cuisine.
A passport and visa are required for travelers going to Ghana. It is best to start this process well in advance of your trip to ensure all documents are fully processed before you leave.
Documentation of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Ghana.
Travelers over the age of six-years-old that have been traveling in Ghana for over 90 days are required to register with the National Identification Authority (NIA). Travelers will receive a Non-citizen Ghana card that will be required for transactions that require identification.
Ghana is a country with many popular tourist destinations, and each has its own unique weather patterns. The capital city, Accra, has a tropical savanna climate with temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees throughout the year. The rainy season there is from April to July, with heavy downpours in June and July. Cape Coast, a coastal city, has the same climate as Accra, and its rainy season is from May to September.
Kumasi, the cultural capital of Ghana, has a tropical wet and dry climate with temperatures ranging from 70 to 85, and its rainy season runs from April to October. Tamale, a northern city, has a tropical wet and dry climate with temperatures ranging from 80 to 100, and its rainy season runs from May to October.
It’s important to remember that the weather can vary from day to day. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before traveling to Ghana, especially during the rainy season.
Ghana is facing an increased threat from terrorist groups. Kidnapping that target Westerners have occurred in Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
Petty crime and scams are the most common crime that travelers face. Armed robbery and money solicitations at airports are on the rise.
Always remember to travel in groups and avoid traveling at night.
Homosexuality is illegal in Ghana and imprisonment can be from 3-10 years.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
The coastal forts of Ghana are a page out of history that helped create progress in Ghana’s modern world.
One of the largest forts in Ghana is the Cape Coast Castle that overlooks the sea. It was one of the world’s largest slave-holding sites and it still reflects the horror of that time.
The castle holds dungeons where slaves were held up to twelve weeks. In contrast, the castle also has a lavish governor’s bedroom to illustrate the inequality of the age.
Other forts to check out in Ghana include Fort Metal Cross, Fort Batenstein and Osu Castle.
When traveling to Ghana, it’s important to pack some essential items to have a safe and comfortable trip. Here is a list of what to bring:
Remember to pack light and bring appropriate clothing for the climate. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations on what to do and see in Ghana.
The U.S. embassy in Ghana provides services for travelers, including passport and visa services, emergency assistance and cultural and educational programs. The embassy also provides security services and updates on security situations in Ghana.
If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Ghana, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Accra.
U.S. Embassy Accra
No. 24 Fourth Circular Road,
Cantonments, Accra, Ghana
Telephone: +233-(0)30-274-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +233-(0)30-274-1000
Email: ACSaccra@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Ghana website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Ghana or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now! and protect yourself today.
“ Great Visit! “
“The Travel Specialist was extremely helpful and accommodating, as this is first trip to Ghana, Africa. She was very thorough in reviewing my itinerary with me, and answered all my questions. She made me feel so at ease. Her customer service was great, and because of this, I will definitely visit Passport Health again to obtain other recommended immunizations.”
“ very fast service,excellent “
“I was in a hurry to get shots updated for a spur of the moment business trip to Ghana and they got me in and had an itinerary ready for me, shots done and I was in and out in about 30 minutes, I was very impressed, the nurse was very personable while doing an outstanding job, I will go back if I travel spur of the moment again overseas to make sure I am current on all shots.”
“ Good for wimps “
“I haven’t had any shots since high school, and need to travel to Ghana. The passport health representative was very calming when dealing with someone who is definitely not a fan of shots. It was greatly appreciated!!”
“ Excellent Service “
“My recent trip to the Passport Health was my second trip since 2013. the nurse was very friendly and remembered me from my visit in 2013. She had everything that she wanted to share with me about my trip to Ghana prepared and ready for me. thank goodness I did not need another shot!”
“ Parent “
“This service has helped get my child ready for travel to Ghana and Peru and has helped me assure that she is ready. The folders created the knowledgeable staff and the consistently professional interactions are a pleasure, Thanks”
“ Outstanding Experience “
“I went for immunizations in preparation for an upcoming business trip to Ghana. The clinic was clean and the nurse was professional and knowledgeable about the current threat of diseases. She based her assessment on the CDCs report on Africa. Very good experience. Will use them again.”
“ Quick and Efficient “
“What I loved about this place was there was no wait time or long lines. I had fill in everything online so there was a passport travel booklet with my name on it that including all the information I need for my travel. The Nurse cover everything and the shot was a breeze. THANKS CANT WAIT FOR MY TRIP TO GHANA”
“ Awesome Service with a Smile “
“I had a very positive experience with Passport Health. I appreciated the booklet with all sorts of tips on staying safe in Ghana. Bless you.”
“ Consultation Feedback “
“I found Passport Health very helpful in the vaccinations I needed for my trip to Ghana, Africa. Stevie, RN was cordial and knowledgeable. The booklet will be helpful as I continue my plans in 2017.”
“ Excellent and knowledgeable “
“I visited this clinic in preparation to my upcoming mission trip to Ghana. The RN at the site was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. At no time did I feel pressured or forced to chose vaccinations I didn’t need for my trip. Further at the end of the visit she provided me with a printed handout of overall things I should to know and be aware of as well as protection tips. Customer service was awesome. And I would most definitely recommend the services to my friends.”