Fraud Blocker
Summer Sale is on! Up to 25% off trips! ☀️
A group of peopl edancing in colourful traditional clothing

Ghana Travel Guide

Located in the Gulf of Guinea, nestled between Côte D’Ivoire and Togo, Ghana is known as the ‘heart of West Africa’ as the locals are some of the continent's most welcoming and happy! Explore the hustle and bustle of Accra and soak up the sights and sounds of the chaotic capital or if you want to chill then take in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean at one of Ghana’s gorgeous beach resorts.

Why not spend your time in Ghana giving something back to this gorgeous nation? Although the Ghanaian government is making strides in improving the education and healthcare system, volunteers are needed in many areas which are only just able to cope. Whatever your reason for going to Ghana, we guarantee that you will not want to leave!

Ghana Highlights

Accra

The coastal capital of Ghana, Accra, blends modern culture with rich history and famously warm Ghanaian hospitality. The colourful markets and lively music scene create an energy that instantly draws you in. A trip to Ghana isn’t complete without tasting Accra’s local flavours, from mouthwatering jollof rice to sweet plantain.

Elephant amongst green forest in Mole National Park

Mole National Park

As Ghana’s largest and most famous national park, Mole offers a special chance to spot elephants, warthogs and more incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. The opportunity to explore the bush on foot with an expert ranger is a unique safari experience you’ll never forget. Watch as the sunset illuminates the endless savannah views.

Cape Coast Castle overlooking Ghana's shoreline and ocean

Cape Coast

Cape Coast’s palm-lined shores and relaxed seaside atmosphere, complemented by its moving history, make it an unforgettable highlight in Ghana. Plus, it’s just a short distance from the tropical rainforest in Kakum National Park. Visit the city’s most significant landmark, Cape Coast Castle, for an important insight into the past.

Group of travellers walking across the canopy walkway in Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park

A rare mix of adventure and serenity, walk above the trees in Kakum National Park. Feel immersed in nature as you step onto the canopy walkway, with the quiet sounds of the rainforest only disturbed by the music of tropical birdsongs. Look down into the jungle, stretching beneath your feet, and look out for forest elephants and Diana monkeys.

Key Facts

Capital City

Accra

Currency

Ghanaian Cedi

Language

English

Dialling Code

+233

Plug Type

D and G

  • Ghana is a great ‘introduction’ to Africa and is perfect for those wanting to see Africa at a steady pace.
  • Ghana has plenty of wildlife including zebra, leopards, lions, hippos and baboons, in some of the most beautiful African landscapes.
  • It is a great place to go if you have time to give yourself to a good cause. Schools and communities are crying out for volunteers to aid the country on the path to development through teaching and other activities
  • This destination is cheap!

Ghanaian food is centred around the staples of cassava, plantains and rice with sauce and meat, fish or vegetables. Groundnuts and peanuts also play an important role in adding flavour to a lot of Ghanaian dishes.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

 

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Ghana’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ghana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ghana High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Ghana, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Ghana.

Applying for a visa

Complete the online visa application form on the Ghana High Commission website and make the online payment.

You need to upload your supporting documents (including a yellow fever certificate) and provide hard copies. Print out the form, add supporting documents and send them by post as directed on the website. The visa processing time is 10 to 15 days.

To get a visa in around 3 days, check if you can use the express service available in person from the Ghana Premium Application Centre in London.

Extending your visa

To extend your stay, take the visa extension form and photos in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) office on Independence Avenue in Accra.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Ghana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ghana guide.

Registering with the authorities

If you live in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana and get a non-citizen Ghana card. You must register all foreign nationals aged 6 years and above in your family who are either:

  • permanently resident in Ghana
  • resident in Ghana for at least 90 days in any calendar year

For more information, see living in Ghana.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Ghana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Ghana

You must declare all hard currency, using the declaration form provided on arrival. You can bring in up to a maximum Ghanaian cedi equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.

Do not carry more than 10,000 dollars in value in any foreign currency. The Ghanaian authorities can confiscate the entire amount if you are carrying cash of this value or more.

Dual nationality

Ghana recognises dual nationality. Ghanaian-British dual nationals can register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and get a dual nationality card. You can produce this card when entering Ghana to show that you do not need a visa.

Transport

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

The weather in Ghana is usually hot and humid due to its location close to the Equator. There are two seasons in a year; dry and wet. The Wet season runs from April-June every year and the Dry season runs from December-February. The average temperature is between 28-36 degrees during the day and between 20-24 degrees at night.

In January, a dry wind known as the Harmattan blows throughout the month, coming south from the Sahara and bringing with it dry particles of dust which can settle across the country.

Related Articles

Best Safaris in Africa for First Timers

Last updated: 12th Nov 2025

The best safaris in Africa are an immersive experience. Whether it’s chance encounters with the mighty Big 5 animals (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos), or soaking in the raw natural beauty that surrounds you, “bucket list&rdquo...

Maximise Your Annual Leave With UK Bank Holidays [2026]

Last updated: 16th Oct 2025

The perk of working Monday to Friday is Bank Holidays, aka, more time for travel! ✈️ Because let’s face it - once you’ve started travelling, you’ll never want to stop! So if you want your...

A Day in the Life: Volunteering with Wildlife in South Africa

Last updated: 8th Oct 2025

Ever wondered what volunteering on a wildlife project is really like? Well, imagine waking up to the distant roar of lions, watching elephants roam free, and working side by side with rangers and wildlife experts to protect the Big 5 animals...

Sarah's Morocco Adventure: Top 10 Highlights

Last updated: 10th Jul 2025

When I say “I had the best time!” what I really mean is… I loved Morocco Adventure and I’d do it all over again - in exactly the same way! Because the best thing about...

Unique Accommodations Around The World

Last updated: 13th Mar 2025

Take your adventure to the next level with one-of-a-kind accommodations, from authentic homestays to immersive camping experiences and so much more. These unique stays offer bucket-list moments that you’ll be sharing for years to come. Your mates will...

The Lion King Animals and Where to Find Them

Last updated: 24th Jan 2024

From Simba to Timon, all these Lion King characters are roaming around Africa and waiting for you to find them! Enjoy the different safari journeys through iconic national parks like Serengeti and Etosha. Why not discover amazing African landscapes and...

Top Travel Trends for 2024

Last updated: 29th Nov 2023

Get ahead of next year's travel trends! Find out what’s popular in 2024, from the best travel experiences to the top destinations. With a growing desire for authentic experiences and new adventures, find out why group travel is...

Should I Travel to Africa?

Last updated: 13th Oct 2023

The short answer is absolutely yes! Africa is a continent like no other. With its unique mix of cultures, incredible wildlife safaris, and stunning natural landscapes, visiting Africa is one of life’s must-do’s. Here’s...

5 Moments to Tick Off Your Bucket List in Africa

Last updated: 13th Oct 2023

Dreaming of immersing yourself in the outdoors, camping under the stars and waking to the wild sounds of nature as your alarm clock? A trip to Southern and Eastern Africa is all this and more. It’ll be the...

Africa's Big 5 - The Safari Checklist

Last updated: 21st Jul 2017

Originally a term used by hunters, the ‘Big 5’ refers to Africa’s most sought after wildlife: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos. Now, armed with only a camera and a beady eye, it’s your turn...