Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Bawku Municipal area in the Upper East region of Ghana.
\n\nFind out why FCDO advises against travel to Bawku Municipality.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance "},{"body":"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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo enter Ghana, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Ghana.
\n\nComplete the online visa application form on the Ghana High Commission website and make the online payment.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nTo 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.
\n\nTo extend your stay, take the visa extension form and photos in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) office on Independence Avenue in Accra.
\n\nTo enter Ghana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ghana guide.
\n\nIf 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:
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nDo 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.
\n\nGhana 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Ghana.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Ghana cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nSeveral terrorist groups operate in neighbouring Burkina Faso near to Ghana’s northern border, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State. JNIM regularly conducts attacks in southern Burkina Faso near to the Ghanaian border. There have also been JNIM attacks in the northern region of Togo, which borders Ghana to the east.
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nDemonstrations in the capital Accra are normally well policed and peaceful, but sometimes they occur at short notice and can cause disruption. Protests may result in restriction of movement. Follow local media for updates on planned routes.
\n\nDisputes can occur between local tribes. This can lead to inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest. Seek local advice and take precautions in areas where political tensions are heightened. If you encounter any type of demonstration or disturbance leave the area quickly and do not attempt to watch or photograph any demonstration or disturbance. See Regional risks.
\n\nCases of robbery, burglary and serious assault have become more common since 2021, and in some cases involve the use of weapons. Foreign nationals have been attacked and robbed at gunpoint. Street crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is on the increase in Accra. To reduce your personal risk:
\n\nTheft is the main problem at beaches, but there have been isolated incidents of violent crime and sexual assault in areas popular with tourists. Do not visit beaches alone and take care on public beaches.
\n\nThere are reports of a small number of thefts of luggage and travel documents at Kotoka International Airport. Make sure your passport is always secure and do not leave your bags unattended. Be wary of offers of help except from uniformed porters or officials. All permanent staff at the airport wear an ID card showing their name and a photo. ID cards without a photo are not valid.
\n\nIf you’re being collected at the airport, confirm the identity of your driver by asking for ID. British nationals have been robbed by impostors who have approached them around the main arrivals area pretending to be their driver.
\n\nThere have been cases of burglaries in areas used by the international community, including Airport Residential, Cantonments, Ridge and Kokrobite, with greater frequency over the Christmas period. Make sure doors and windows are locked and keep all valuables in a secure lockbox. Set the burglar alarm if your accommodation has one.
\n\nAttacks on vehicles are increasing, sometimes involving the use of weapons. A British national died in one such attack in August 2021. Take particular care when your car or taxi is stationary in a busy area. Keep windows up and doors locked.
\n\nThere have been isolated incidents of crime taking place in all types of taxis, including licensed taxis, minibuses (‘tro tros’) and app-based taxi services. Use licensed taxis and check driver ID and the vehicle’s condition before you travel. Some hotels will book transport to pick you up on arrival. Avoid travelling alone in taxis after dark.
\n\nLocal police have highlighted the risk to vehicles on specific roads in Accra:
\n\nFor longer trips outside major cities:
\n\nThere have been reports in the media of criminally motivated kidnapping in Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi, including the targeting of foreign nationals. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence in Ghana is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking.
\n\nScam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities – and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Ghana. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.
\n\nKeep your card in sight when paying bills and look closely when you use an ATM in case a skimming device has been attached to it.
\n\nGhana is a conservative and deeply religious country. Although attitudes are largely modern and progressive, you should show respect for traditional values and morals.
\n\nDress modestly in public. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for both males and females, but it is best not to wear anything too revealing.
\n\nWearing military clothing including camouflage is illegal.
\n\nIt is advisable to carry ID. A copy of your passport’s photo page is acceptable. Keep the original in a safe place such as a hotel safe.
\n\nThe possession of Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.
\n\nBail is not normally granted.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nEven possession of small amounts of cannabis can lead to a prison sentence of more than 5 years, usually after a long and expensive legal process.
\n\nAirports in Ghana have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nClass A drugs like cocaine are likely to be laced with other substances. Foreign visitors, including British nationals, have died after taking these drugs.
\n\nPhotography near sensitive sites like military installations or the airport is illegal. Ask permission if you want to take a photograph of a building where there are guards on duty. Beware of self-appointed officials trying to charge fees to let you take pictures of well-known sites of interest.
\n\nSome same-sex sexual acts could lead to a prison sentence of between 3 and 25 years. Although there are no records of this being enforced, there were arrests at a gathering of the LGBT+ community in 2021. Ghanaian society is intolerant of people of the same sex showing affection in public. Many Ghanaians do not accept that such relationships exist.
\n\nThe Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is not law, but its passage through Ghana’s Parliament could increase the risk of violence and other threats (such as blackmail and intimidation) to the LGBT+ community and their allies. Rhetoric by some politicians, religious leaders, and local media can incite violence and psychological abuse of the LGBT+ community. FCDO are aware of reported attacks against LGBT+ individuals.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nGhanaian family law is very different from UK law, particularly when child custody becomes an issue. Ghana is not a signatory to the Hague Convention. This means:
\n\nWhile ATMs are common in large towns, they may not be available in rural areas. Many hotels, guesthouses and shops accept credit cards except for Mastercard, which is not widely accepted. Check ahead that you can make payment, and have back-up funds.
\n\nContact your card issuer before you travel in case they put a block on your account.
\n\nSwimming is dangerous on the beaches along the southern coast of Ghana due to rip tides and undertows. There are occasional reports of deaths of both adults and children.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nYou can drive in Ghana using the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a Ghanaian driving licence. Carry your driving documents with you.
\n\nRoads can be in a poor condition, particularly in rural areas. Grass or leaves strewn in the road often mean there is an accident or other hazard ahead.
\n\nStreet lighting is poor or non-existent. Avoid travelling by road outside the main towns after dark, when the risk of serious road accidents is much greater, and there is a heightened risk of attacks on vehicles (see the crime section). If you choose to drive at night be aware of impromptu police checkpoints. Do not give cash to the police as this can be perceived as a bribe.
\n\nSafety standards of taxi services in Ghana are low. Driver training and vehicle standards will vary from providers in the UK. Drivers of ‘tro-tros’ and popular app-based taxi services are not centrally licensed. There is no responsible body that is accountable for your safety.
\n\nOutside major towns and cities it’s safer to use pre-booked vehicles from reputable taxi companies.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nFlooding is common in the Upper West, North East, Northern and Savannah regions during the rainy season, from March to November.
\n\nHeavy rainfall can also cause flooding in other parts of Ghana, including urban areas such as Accra and its surroundings. Flooding can disrupt road travel, public transport, electricity and other services, and conditions can change quickly following periods of intense rainfall.
\n\nFollow the advice of local authorities, monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas.
\n\nEarthquakes and tremors are a risk in Ghana. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Ghana. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nCivil unrest in specific local regions of Ghana can build up at short notice and may become violent, sometimes involving weapons. Avoid large crowds and political protests. Take local advice if you’re in an area with heightened political tension. Local police may impose curfews to contain the situation. Curfews usually run from 7pm to 5am but times can vary. The authorities may put out a press release which is usually posted on the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Bawku Municipal area in the Upper East region of Ghana. This is due to the number of violent incidents. The Ghanaian military have deployed additional military to the region to strengthen security.
\n\nIf you must travel to Bawku, you are strongly advised to contact the regional police headquarters in Bolgatanga town before travelling. Frequent curfews have been put in place in Bawku, with requirements and times changing. Security checks, including roadblocks, are often in effect and you should be prepared to show identification if asked. Be prepared for the security response to change without notice.
\n\nSince October there have been a number of attacks related to the conflict in Bawku on the Nasia -Walewale-Bolgatanga road (Northeast) and the Bolgatanga- Zebilla – Bawku – Pulmankom road (Upper East). Many people are arranging police escorts when travelling along these roads. British citizens should take this into consideration including any precautionary measures before deciding to travel along these roads.
\n\nIn August, tribal conflict broke out in the western part of Savannah Region, near the Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso borders. This has resulted in a number of deaths and displacement of communities. Visitors travelling in that region should keep informed about the situation, seek local advice and take precautions.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Ghana, including:
\n\nIn September 2022, Ghana declared an end to the Marburg virus disease outbreak that was first reported in July 2022. See more details about the outbreak and more information on Marburg virus and similar diseases.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities are poor outside towns. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Ghana.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone:
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Ghana on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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