Ghana

Översikt

Capital: Accra (pop. 2.660 million)
Population: 35,064,272 (2025 est.)
Other Urban Areas: Kumasi (pop. 3.768 million); Sekondi Takoradi (pop. 1.078 million)
Religions: Christian (Pentecostal/Charismatic, Protestant, Catholic, other), Muslim, traditional
Languages: Asante, Ewe, Fante, Boron, Dagomba, Dangme, Dagarte, Kokomba, Akyem, Ga
Time Zone: UTC 0
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +233
Electrical plug(s): Type D and Type G

Pengar

The local currency in Ghana is Cedis (GHS). As of 6 October 2026 100 GHS is equal to 8.51 USD. In addition to the local currency, EUR and USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at exchange offices.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card payments in urban areas and cash in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments but cash remains the preferred payment method. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Many Ghanaians still talk in old currency, which can be confusing; 10,000 old cedis are routinely referred to as 10, which equals one new cedi. This should be noted, to avoid costly errors. Instances of credit card fraud are growing, so travellers may wish to be prudent when using their card.

Tips are not expected in restaurants, except at upscale locales frequented by foreigners, in which case a 5-10% tip is acceptable. Tip hotel porters 1-2 cedis and chambermaids at least 2 cedis per day. Taxi drivers expect a tip of 5-10% of the fare.

El

The power supply in Ghana is reliable. Electricity operates on 230V at 50Hz using plug type(s) D and G.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Ghana. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.

Nationals of ECOWAS countries, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali can enter Ghana with a valid travel certificate.

Visum

Travellers may qualify for a visa waiver, however this requires the completion of a security check or travel authorisation prior to departure. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Waivers

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Nationals of selected countries are allowed to enter Ghana without a visa for tourism purposes, but they are still required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entry. Authorities do not specify the maximum length of stay.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is valid at all international airports and border crossings for a total of seven airports, four seaports and 37 land crossings.

e-Visas

E-visa: Foreign nationals from select countries can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa for tourism, business, or work purposes. Visa-exempt nationals will be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on the same platform.

The electronic visa (eVisa) is valid at all international airports and border crossings for a total of seven airports, four seaports and 37 land crossings.

Lokal resor

Overview

Air travel is safe and reliable, but road travel is considered more dangerous, particularly during rainy seasons due to floods. Buses and ferries are reliable, but taxis are a safer option. Rail travel should be avoided as the rail system has deteriorated significantly in the last several years.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Kotoka International Airport (ACC/DGAA), five km (three miles) outside of Accra, is Ghana's main international airport. Major international airlines such as British Airways and KLM operate regular flights to the country, and various regional airlines connect with Accra. Local airlines operate daily flights from the capital to Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport (KMS/DGSI) and other cities. For regional connections, flights may often be overbooked, cancelled or deferred at very short notice. Visitors should always confirm their flight in advance. Some charter flight services also operate between some European countries and Ghana.

Although there are usually taxis waiting outside the airport, visitors are advised to arrange for a driver to meet them at the airport prior to their arrival. Alternatively, all major hotels in Accra also provide shuttles for their guests from the airport.

Borders and Entry

Health measures:

• Authorities are enforcing mpox-related surveillance measures at the country’s entry points.
• Authorities are enforcing Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry ports.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Ghana. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Ghana might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right in Ghana. The speed limits are 50kph (31 mph) in urban areas, 80kph (50 mph) outside urban areas and 100kph (62 mph) on motorways. The legal threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.8 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. Roads are fairly well-maintained in larger cities, however, less so in more outlying and rural areas. Outside larger cities, roads are often dotted with potholes and can be poorly lit after dark. While driving in Ghana is reasonably safe, it will likely take foreign nationals some time to get used to local conditions. Police roadblocks are common along both highways and city streets where vehicles are routinely stopped for inspection. Vehicles as well as passengers may be searched. Foreign nationals should ensure that all travel and identification documents are in order and carried at all times. Due to poor driving conditions, unsafe driving behaviours, and the poor mechanical state of many vehicles, vehicle accidents are common and often result in serious injury and/or death.

Rail Travel

Ghana's passenger rail service is extremely limited and unavailable for most long-distance regional travel, though modern commuter routes are actively expanding.

Public Transport

Ferries and Boats: A passenger boat, the Yapei Queen, runs the entire length of Lake Volta between Akosombo in the south to Yeji in the north. The trip takes about 24 hours one way and departs from Akosombo every Monday. Tickets can be booked via the Volta Lake Transport Company. There are other smaller ferry services on Lake Volta that will take you further north and east. Transportation can be arranged in Tamale.

Buses: Air-conditioned buses are available for services between the main towns of Kumasi, Tamale, Bolgatanga and Accra. Compared to other buses in the region, these buses are fairly reliable despite late departures. While several trips run to each destination on a daily basis, fewer run on Sundays. Tickets need to be booked at least a day in advance along major routes, and extra payment may be required to cover luggage.

Taxis: Taxis are available in all the main towns and cities. There are no meters, so fares have to be negotiated before departing. Visitors are strongly advised against using shared taxis, and instead should rather use an empty taxi and negotiate a fare with the driver. However, taxis are not always well maintained and speeding by drivers is a concern. Online ride-hailing app services, namely Uber, Yango or Bolt, are more recommended than traditional taxis when possible, as they have a fixed fare and are safer.

Minibuses: Tro-tros are shared minibuses that cover every route in Ghana. They are particularly handy on routes that the main bus companies do not service. While affordable, tro-tros are usually uncomfortable, overcrowded, known for breakdowns, and do not meet international safety standards. They do not follow any schedules and normally leave only when full from four main motor parks across the capital.

Movement Control Orders

Curfew: Upper East Region

A curfew from 22:00-05:00 is in effect in Bawku town due to deadly communal violence.

A curfew from 18:00-06:00 is in effect in Kandiga and Doba townships due to insecurity.

Oti Region

A curfew from 22:00-05:00 is in effect in Nkwanta due to insecurity. A curfew from 20:00-05:00 is in effect across Keri, Abrewanko, Abrewanko junction, Nyambo, Nyambo junction, Shari, Kromase, Power, Nyakoma, Odomi 11, Bonakye and Nkwanta communities in the Nkwanta South Municipality.

Northern Region

Authorities imposed a nightly 17:00-07:00 local time curfew on Damankunyili, Nyeshie and adjoining communities in the district until further notice.

A curfew from 00:00-04:00 is in effect in Bimbilla due to insecurity.

A curfew from 22:00-04:00 is in effect in Saboba and the surrounding areas due to insecurity.

A nightly curfew from 17:00-07:00 is in effect in Damankunyili and Nyeshie and adjoining communities, in Sagnarigu district due to insecurity.

Bono Region

A curfew from 22:00-04:00 is in effect in Sampa, Jaman North district, to maintain public safety.

North East Region

A curfew from 22:00-04:00 is in effect in Chereponi and the surrounding areas due to insecurity.

A curfew from 20:00-06:00 is in effect in Bunkpurugu and the surrounding areas due to insecurity.