Basic information if you Travel to Ghana
If you are planning a trip to Ghana, there are some important travel information you should be aware of, including visa requirements, cellphone and internet data rental options, and money exchange tips
Visa & Entry Requirements:
If you plan to visit Ghana for leisure purposes, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days and is valid for a single entry. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to provide a completed visa application form, a passport-size photo, a copy of your flight itinerary, a host in Ghana if you have one. You may also need to show proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ghana.
Entry Regulations:
In addition to obtaining a visa, all visitors to Ghana must meet certain entry regulations. Upon arrival in Ghana, you will need to present your passport and visa to immigration officials. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Visitors to Ghana must also have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before your arrival in Ghana and must be presented at the port of entry. Failure to provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate may result in denial of entry or deportation.
Cellphone and Internet Data Rental:
Staying connected while traveling is important for many people, and Ghana has a range of options for cellphone and internet data rental. One option is to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in the country, which will allow you to make calls and access the internet using a local phone network. The major cellphone providers in Ghana are MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo.
Another option is to rent a portable WiFi device, which can provide internet access for multiple devices at once. Some hotels and cafes also offer free WiFi for customers. It’s important to note that internet connectivity in some areas of Ghana may be limited, particularly in rural areas.
Money Exchange:
The official currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). It is recommended to exchange money at banks or authorized exchange bureaus in major cities, such as Accra and Kumasi. It is important to compare exchange rates and fees before exchanging money. Most banks in Ghana have ATMs, which accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. It is important to inform your bank before traveling to Ghana to avoid any issues with your card being declined due to fraud concerns.
In some tourist areas, such as the Cape Coast and Kumasi, US dollars may be accepted as payment. However, it is recommended to carry cedis for smaller transactions and to avoid any currency conversion fees.