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!
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must have a visa to visit Ghana.
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.
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.
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.
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:
For more information, see living in Ghana.
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.
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.
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.
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.