Elmina Castle

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Ghana page at Yoogo.

Ghana's currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Card payments are accepted at larger hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Accra and Kumasi, but cash is essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available in major cities, though it is advisable to carry some cash when travelling outside urban centres.

Ghana is generally considered one of West Africa's more stable and welcoming destinations, with a long record of peaceful democratic governance. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas such as markets and bus stations, particularly in Accra, so standard precautions around valuables are sensible. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure for the most up-to-date guidance.

Shared minibuses known as tro-tros are the most widely used form of intercity transport and connect most towns at low cost, though journey times can be long on unpaved roads. Intercity coaches such as STC and VIP Bus offer a more comfortable option for routes between Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Cape Coast. Ride-hailing apps including Uber and Bolt operate in Accra, while taxis are available throughout the country.

The dry season from November to March is generally the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and clear skies across most of the country. The harmattan wind blows from the Sahara between December and February, bringing dusty haze in the north. The rainy seasons (April to June and September to October in the south) can make some rural roads impassable but keep the landscape green.

English is Ghana's official language and is widely spoken in cities, schools, businesses, and government, making it straightforward to communicate throughout the country. Akan languages, particularly Twi, are spoken by a large proportion of the population in southern Ghana, while Dagbani, Hausa, and other languages are prevalent in the north. A few words of Twi such as 'Akwaaba' (welcome) are warmly appreciated by local people.

A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required by law for all travellers over nine months of age and must be presented on arrival. Malaria is present throughout the entire country including Accra, so antimalarial medication and insect repellent are strongly recommended regardless of where you plan to travel. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and meningitis vaccinations are also commonly advised; consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.