Ghana travel checklist

Documents and visas

Start with the paperwork, because it takes the longest to arrange. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two or more blank pages. Most visitors now need either a Ghana ETA or a visa arranged before departure, so apply in good time and print a copy of the approval.

Take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation, and save the emergency number. Photograph or scan your passport, insurance and vaccination certificate, then email them to yourself and keep an offline copy. If dates are still open, our guide to the best time to visit Ghana and the wider things to know before visiting Ghana will help you decide.

Health and vaccinations

Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, and officials do check the certificate, so book this at least ten days before you fly. Speak to a travel clinic about typhoid, hepatitis A and B and routine boosters, and discuss malaria prevention, as Ghana is a malaria zone all year.

Build a small medical kit: prescription medicines in their original packaging, rehydration salts, plasters, painkillers, antihistamines and a repellent containing DEET. Pack high-factor sun cream and after-sun, since the equatorial sun is stronger than many visitors expect, and plan to drink sealed bottled or sachet water throughout, as tap water is not reliably safe.

Note the location of a reputable hospital or clinic near your first hotel, and if you take regular medication, pack enough for the whole trip plus a few spare days in your hand luggage. A refillable insect repellent, antibacterial gel and a thermometer round out a sensible kit.

Money and staying connected

Ghana's currency is the cedi (GHS). Bring a modest amount of clean, newer US dollar notes for exchange and emergencies, plus a debit or credit card. ATMs are common in Accra, Kumasi and larger towns, but carry cash for rural areas, and tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked.

Buy a local SIM from MTN, Telecel or AirtelTigo at the airport or in town, taking your passport to register it, or set up an eSIM before you leave. Data is inexpensive and reliable in cities, and many Ghanaians pay for everyday things with mobile money, which is worth setting up for a longer stay.

Keep smaller notes handy for taxis, tips and market stalls, where breaking a large note can be awkward.

Keep your card and most of your cash separate, and stash a little emergency money in your main bag. Check your foreign transaction fees before you travel, and download your banking app so you can freeze the card instantly if it goes missing.

Packing essentials

Pack light, breathable cotton and linen for hot, humid days, with a thin layer for air-conditioned buses and cooler evenings up north. Include modest options that cover shoulders and knees for churches, mosques and village visits. Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals will handle most days.

Do not forget a reusable water bottle, a power bank, a UK-style Type G plug adaptor, a hat and sunglasses; add a compact rain jacket if you travel in the green season. Our full Ghana packing list breaks every item down by category.

If beach time is on the agenda, throw in swimwear and a quick-dry towel so a spontaneous swim is never off the table.

Pack a small day bag for excursions, a torch or head-torch for occasional power cuts, and a padlock for budget rooms and lockers. A light dry-bag protects electronics on boat trips and at the beach.

Bookings and final checks

Book your first night's accommodation in advance so you have a confirmed address for the arrival form, and arrange an airport pickup so you are not haggling for a taxi at midnight. Sketch a rough plan, as many visitors wonder how many days in Ghana they really need, and reserve any headline experiences early.

In your final week, download offline maps, confirm your flights, notify your bank and read up on Ghana safety and getting around. Popular days out such as the Cape Coast castles and Kakum can sell out, so book ahead where you can.

With bookings locked in and copies saved, your final days at home can be spent packing rather than panicking.

Screenshot your key confirmations, share your itinerary with someone at home, and set a reminder to check in online. A well-planned final week turns travel-day nerves into simple excitement.

Let us tick it off with you

Ticking off a checklist is far easier when someone on the ground has your back. Our team arranges everything from your first hotel to guided days out, so you can focus on enjoying Ghana rather than juggling reservations.

Questions people ask