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
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
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
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: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
