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HOME > FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS > Ghana
Foreign Entry Requirements and Travel Tips:
Foreign Entry Requirements and Country Information
International Travel Information for US Citizens
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Click here to obtain an Ghana Visa
Legend:  =Required  =Not Required
| Entry/Exit Requirements |
A passport and visa are required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Ghana, 3512 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 686-4520, website http://www.ghana-embassy.org, or from the Ghanaian Consulate General, 19 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 832-1300. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship to the person traveling with the child and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. Please refer to Traveling with Children for detailed information. |
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| Population |
20,757,032
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) |
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| Nationality |
noun: Ghanaian(s)
adjective: Ghanaian |
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| Country Name |
conventional long form: Republic of Ghana
conventional short form: Ghana
former: Gold Coast |
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| Capital |
| Accra |
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| Climate |
| tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north |
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| Currency |
| cedi (GHC) |
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| Government Type |
| constitutional democracy |
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| U.S. Embassy Location |
chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Carlin YATES
embassy: 6th and 10th Lanes, 798/1 Osu, Accra
mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra
telephone: [233] (21) 775-347, 775-348
FAX: [233] (21) 701-813 |
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| Legal System |
| based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
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| Religions |
| Christian 63%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 21% |
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| Country Background |
| Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and the banning of political parties. A new constitution, restoring multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. He was succeeded by John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice President Atta MILLS in a free and fair election. |
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| Safety and Security |
Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should exercise caution and maintain security awareness at all times. Large gatherings such as political rallies and street demonstrations should be avoided. U.S. citizens should be aware that Ghanaian authorities sent troops to the Northern Region of Ghana in March 2002, imposed a curfew, and declared a state of emergency to quell ethnic violence. The state of emergency in the Northern Region remains in effect, and the situation remains volatile. American citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel to the Northern Region of Ghana while the state of emergency remains in effect.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). |
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| Crime |
Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors. U.S. travelers have reported instances of these types of theft in crowded market areas, beaches and parks, and at tourist attractions. Instances of violent crime, such as rape and armed robbery, have risen over the last year. At least three foreign visitors have been raped in the last six months during home invasions/burglaries. American students studying in Ghana have reported an increase in burglaries of university housing. Several American tourists and students have been the victims of theft at gunpoint or knifepoint during the last year. Victims who resist attackers run a high risk of serious physical injury. Security measures such as traveling in groups and minimizing travel at night should be observed. Travelers who limit their display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime. Travelers are advised to carry limited amounts of cash and only photocopies of key documents.
While major U.S. and international credit cards are accepted widely across the country, credit card fraud is pervasive. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid using credit cards and to settle bills using traveler’s checks or cash. Travelers who elect to use their credit cards in Ghana should employ all available precautions.
In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from certain transactions involving gold and other precious metals. The government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on these natural resources. All agents must be licensed and all transactions must be certified. See Customs Restrictions, below.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets “A Safe Trip Abroad� and “Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa� provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov or in hard copy from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, http://www.gpoaccess.gov.
BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Ghana.
Recently American citizens have consulted the Embassy regarding questionable business offers described to them by electronic mail sent by Ghana-based individuals. Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. Reports have also reached the Embassy of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions through the Internet or direct mail. If you receive such business offers or charity requests, you are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy for an assessment of the offer's credibility. To check on a business's legitimacy in the U.S., contact the Ghana Desk Officer at the International Trade Administration, Room 2037, Dept. of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482-1358, fax: (202) 482-5198 or the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRADE. Americans already in Ghana may contact the U.S. Embassy at telephone (233) (21) 775-347 or 775-348. |
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| Medical Facilities |
| Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Accra, the capital. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications. |
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Passports |
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8-14 Days |
$65.00 |
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5-7 Days |
$135.00 |
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3-4 Days |
$185.00 |
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24-48 Hours |
$245.00 |
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Visas |
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Non-Rush |
$55.00 |
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Rush |
$125.00 |
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Same Day |
$175.00 |
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* When Applicable |
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