Visit the Embassy of Ghana website for the most current visa information.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required upon arrival in Ghana for anyone over nine months of age.

Foreign nationals who are over six years old and who have been physically present in Ghana for a cumulative period of 90 days or more during a calendar year are required to register with the National Identification Authority (NIA). NIA will issue registered foreign nationals a non-citizen Ghana card. The non-citizen Ghana card will be necessary for all transactions that require identification, i.e. opening bank accounts, obtaining work permits, acquiring driver’s licenses, etc.

A list of permanent registration centers, fee requirements and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the NIA website.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ghana.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

 

The U.S. Government does not pay medical bills of private U.S. citizens abroad. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Ghana to ensure the medication is legal in Ghana. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, particularly outside the capital, Accra. You should carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of your prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue are a significant problem and prevention of bites and proper yellow fever immunization are important for all areas. Before coming to Ghana, you should consult with your physician regarding the advisibility of taking malaria prophylaxis and obtaining needed vaccinations. While in Ghana, you should:

• Carry and use insect repellents containing either 20 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535,
• Treat clothing and tents with permethrin, and
• Sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.

Refer to the CDC website for health information for travelers to Ghana

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Malaria
• Yellow Fever
• Dengue Fever
• Diarrheal Illness
• Rabies
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Tuberculosis
• Schistosomiasis
• Cholera
• Typhoid Fever

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Government of Ghana requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination at port of entry.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)