Plan your trip to Ghana
Visas, health, money, getting around and the best time to go: everything first-timers ask us, in one place.
Currency
Ghana cedi (GHS). Cash is king
Language
English, plus Twi and many others
Plugs
Type G, same as Ireland & UK
Visa
Required, unless ECOWAS
Visa & entry
Most visitors, including Irish, EU, UK and US passport holders, must get a visa before travelling. ECOWAS citizens are exempt.
- Passport: valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- Apply in advance: on the official e-Visa portal, evisa.immigration.gov.gh (standard processing 96 hours; have your passport, accommodation, return itinerary, bank statement and yellow fever certificate ready), or through a Ghanaian embassy or high commission.
- Exemptions: citizens of ECOWAS states do not need a visa.
- Yellow fever certificate: you must show it on arrival (see Health below).
Rules change. Always check the Ghana Immigration Service or your nearest Ghana embassy before you book.
Stay well
Health
Sort these with your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you fly.
Mandatory
Yellow fever
You must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. Required for travellers over nine months old.
Prevent
Malaria
Malaria is common. Ask your doctor about prescription tablets and pack a DEET repellent.
Recommended
Vaccines
Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus are usually advised. Your clinic will confirm what you need.
Every day
Water
Don't drink tap water. Stick to sealed bottled or sachet water, widely sold everywhere.
Seasons
When to go
November to March is dry season: easy travel, predictable weather and great wildlife viewing. Plan around a festival with our festival calendar.
Best: dry seasonDry but hazy: harmattan winds (Dec–Feb), pack moisturiserRainy season: greener and quieter
Money
Daily budget
Rough daily costs per person, excluding flights. Carry cash: cards aren't accepted in most markets and rural areas.
Backpacking
$30–50 / day
Hostels, tro-tros and street food.
Stay $15Food $15Transport $5Other $5
Mid-range
$80–150 / day
Guesthouses, restaurants and Uber.
Stay $50Food $40Transport $15Other $10
Comfort
$200+ / day
Four-star hotels, private drivers and fine dining.
Stay $150Food $70Transport $30Other $20
Transport
Getting there & around
Accra International Airport (ACC, renamed from Kotoka in February 2026) is the main gateway. From Dublin, flights connect through European hubs.
Flights
Getting there
Compare connections from Dublin and other European cities into Accra.
Search flightsRecommended
Ride-hailing
Uber, Bolt and Yango are the safest and cheapest way around the cities.
Local
Tro-tros
Shared minibuses: very cheap, a little chaotic, and a real adventure.
Between cities
Flights & coaches
Domestic flights with Africa World Airlines or PassionAir, or VIP and STC coaches. Guided tours suit first-timers.
Phone & data
Staying connected
On arrival
Local SIM card
Buy one from MTN, Telecel or AT at the airport. Bring your passport. Coverage is good in cities but drops in remote areas, and data is affordable.
Before you fly
Travel eSIM
Land with data already working, with no shop queue.
Get a Vibqo eSIMPartner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cultural etiquette
The right-hand rule
Always use your right hand to eat, pay, wave or hand something over. The left hand is considered unclean.
- Greet first. Say "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" before asking a question.
- Ask before photos. Always ask people first, and never photograph military or government buildings.
- Dress modestly in villages and at religious and heritage sites.
Eat like a local
Food to try
More food, drink and markets in our culture & cuisine guide.
Jollof riceSpicy tomato rice, a West African favourite
WaakyeRice and beans, often for breakfast
Red redBlack-eyed peas with fried plantain
Banku & tilapiaFermented corn dough with grilled fish
KeleweleSpiced fried plantain, a street-food snack
Groundnut soupRich peanut soup, served with rice balls or fufu
Tick as you pack
Packing list
The essentials, plus what to wear in the heat and the harmattan.
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