ABOUT VISA
Foreign nationals of the following countries can enter Ghana visa-free:
ECOWAS countries, plus Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Singapore, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Zimbabwe
Otherwise, unless in direct airside transit through a Ghanaian airport, all other foreign nationals require a visa to enter Ghana.
For information about obtaining visas for Ghana, visit the official website of the Ghana Immigration Service.
There is no such thing as a visa on arrival for Western countries. Its thus best to play it safe and get a visa in advance.
Tourist Visa is usually a maximum of 30 or 60 days.
SAFETY MEASURES
Ghana is currently a very safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. Take sensible precautions but be assured it is quite safe.
Bywel's bar in Osu is a frequent hangout of expats on Thursday nights meaning that it is target for muggings. Be sure to leave in a large group and enter a taxi immediately upon exiting the bar.
Be aware that both female and male homosexuality is illegal.
Cases have also been reported of people snatching mobile phones in the streets. Avoid using your mobile phone out in the open if you do not absolutely need to. You may run the risk of having someone snatch it from you.
HEALTH
Be aware that chloro quine-resistant malaria is widespread and you must take sufficient malaria protection including mosquito avoidance, mosquito repellents and chemical prophylaxis.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into the country.
It is strongly urged that a traveler request vaccinations against Hepatitis A & B, Cholera and Typhoid fever if they are planning to travel within the country.
There is a very high risk of meningitis in the northern third of Ghana which is a part of the Meningitis belt of Africa. This applies especially during the dry windy periods from December to June. A polysaccharide vaccine is available for Meningitis types A, C, Y and W135.
Although the AIDS/HIV rate is lower than other sub-Saharan African countries, do not have unprotected sex! Also you should avoid contact with still freshwater as there is a risk of schistosomiasis (Snail Fever).
Some restaurants will approach European health standards, but be prepared to pay for the service. Smaller restaurants, often called "chop bars," will likely not meet these standards.
Because of the tropical climate near the coast, travelers will need to stay hydrated. Bottled water is available everywhere. Voltic Water has been a reliable brand over the years, but do check to make sure the seal has not been broken.
For the latest traveler's health information pertaining to Ghana, including advisories and recommendations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention destination Ghana website [23].
If you have a medical emergency this site has some resources to assist you with your emergency. [24].
ACCEPTED CURRENCY
The Exchange Control Law of 1986 states that no Ghana resident can accept foreign currency for transactions, including a purchase at the corner market, a meal or a ride in a taxi. You'll have to exchange Foreign Currency for the Ghana cedi at a bank or designated currency exchange when you arrive in the country.
If you have more than 500 Ghana cedis left in your wallet at the end of your visit, exchange them back into U.S. dollars or spend the cedis before leaving the country. Keep your exchange receipt for ease in switching back to dollars. Local banks are normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with some limited Saturday hours. Limited cedis can be withdrawn at ATMs.
CREDIT CARDS/ ATMs
If you have a Visa credit card, then you will easily be able to withdraw local currency at any ATM. All major banks have an ATM that is compatible with Visa. It is quite difficult to find ATMs in Ghana that accept credit cards other than Visa, although Mastercard is becoming more widely accepted. Stanbic bank has few branches, and their ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus and Diners Club.
Many restaurants, hotels and shops across Ghana accept major credit or debit cards, and some banks may be willing to give cash advances on a major credit card. The U.S. State Department and the Ghanian tourism ministry, though, warn travelers against using credit cards in Ghana because of the risk of credit fraud. If you choose to use a credit card, consult with your credit card company to set up fraud alerts and heed any advice about safer usage.
TRAVELER'S CHEQUE
Though traveler's checks are accepted for exchange at banks and foreign currency exchanges in the capital Accra, cash offers a better exchange rate than traveler's checks when converting your funds into cedis. When exchanging such checks, have your passport ready to show as ID.
TRANSFERRING MONEY
There are businesses such as Western Union and MoneyGram that serve Ghana. Funds transferred this way may be picked up at approved agent locations which include travel agencies, grocery stores and airports, among other consumer locations. A fee for the service will be included.
Another option is to do a bank-to-bank transfer. Barclays Bank, Zenith Bank, Standard Trust Bank and others in Ghana will be able to provide this service. Both the person sending the money and the person receiving the money will incur a fee.
The Exchange Control Law of 1986 states that no Ghana resident can accept foreign currency for transactions, including a purchase at the corner market, a meal or a ride in a taxi. You'll have to exchange Foreign Currency for the Ghana cedi at a bank or designated currency exchange when you arrive in the country.
If you have more than 500 Ghana cedis left in your wallet at the end of your visit, exchange them back into U.S. dollars or spend the cedis before leaving the country. Keep your exchange receipt for ease in switching back to dollars. Local banks are normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with some limited Saturday hours. Limited cedis can be withdrawn at ATMs.
CREDIT CARDS/ ATMs
If you have a Visa credit card, then you will easily be able to withdraw local currency at any ATM. All major banks have an ATM that is compatible with Visa. It is quite difficult to find ATMs in Ghana that accept credit cards other than Visa, although Mastercard is becoming more widely accepted. Stanbic bank has few branches, and their ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus and Diners Club.
Many restaurants, hotels and shops across Ghana accept major credit or debit cards, and some banks may be willing to give cash advances on a major credit card. The U.S. State Department and the Ghanian tourism ministry, though, warn travelers against using credit cards in Ghana because of the risk of credit fraud. If you choose to use a credit card, consult with your credit card company to set up fraud alerts and heed any advice about safer usage.
TRAVELER'S CHEQUE
Though traveler's checks are accepted for exchange at banks and foreign currency exchanges in the capital Accra, cash offers a better exchange rate than traveler's checks when converting your funds into cedis. When exchanging such checks, have your passport ready to show as ID.
TRANSFERRING MONEY
There are businesses such as Western Union and MoneyGram that serve Ghana. Funds transferred this way may be picked up at approved agent locations which include travel agencies, grocery stores and airports, among other consumer locations. A fee for the service will be included.
Another option is to do a bank-to-bank transfer. Barclays Bank, Zenith Bank, Standard Trust Bank and others in Ghana will be able to provide this service. Both the person sending the money and the person receiving the money will incur a fee.