Ghana

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[233] 030-274-1000; US Embassy in Accra, No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra, PO Box GP 2288, Accra, Ghana; https://gh.usembassy.gov/; ACSAccra@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

233

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 776111-5; Fire: 192; Police: 999, 171

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ghana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Currency (Code)

Cedis (GHC)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G

Plug Type DPlug Type G

Major Languages

Asante, Ewe, Fante, Boron, Dagomba, Dangme, Dagarte, Kokomba, Akyem, Ga

Major Religions

Christian 71.2% (Pentecostal/Charismatic, Protestant, Catholic, other), Muslim 17.6%, traditional 5.2%

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Kakum National Park; Accra (includes Artists Alliance Gallery); Labadi Beach; Cape Coast

Major Sports

Soccer, boxing

Cultural Practices

If eating from a communal bowl, it is considered impolite to reach to parts of the bowl that are far from you. Instead, simply eat the portion directly in front of you.

Tipping Guidelines

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.

Souvenirs

Handmade beads, woven Kente cloth, gold and silver jewelry, carved stools, pottery

Traditional Cuisine

Fufu — cassava and unripe plantains mashed together in water with a wooden pole; once the mixture is smooth it is shaped into small balls that are placed in a stew or soup with meat


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024