Africa
Ghana
West Africa's easiest country for a first solo trip: English-speaking, stable, friendly, with beaches, forts and a growing Accra scene. Patchy infrastructure, traffic and a harsh anti-LGBTQ+ climate are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa33 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyGHSUS$1 ≈ GH₵11.60Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType D, G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 191 · Ambulance 193 · Fire 192 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is not safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedSocial hostility is high and rising, with reports of vigilante violence and outing.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences and an IDP are accepted for short stays; police checkpoints are frequent, so carry both with your passport copy.
Where to go in Ghana
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AccraCapital city | 4/5 | $1,210–2,160 | Nov–Mar | 54/100 |
| Cape CoastCity | 4/5 | $690–1,290 | Nov–Mar | 87/100 |
| KumasiCity | 4/5 | $690–1,290 | Nov–Mar | 84/100 |
When to visit Ghana
November–March is dry and cooler for the south; the north is dry November–April with Harmattan dust December–February. Southern rains peak May–July and again in October.
Good to know
Entry
- Most nationalities need a visa arranged before travel through a Ghanaian embassy or its online system; check the Ghana Immigration Service and embassy pages.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry and is checked at Accra airport.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; declare cash over the equivalent of USD 10,000.
- Stays of 90+ days in a year may require registration with the National Identification Authority.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Same-sex relations are criminal; an expanded anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been before parliament since 2024
- Drug offences, including cannabis, are prosecuted
- Photographing military sites, police and government buildings can lead to detention
Etiquette
- Greet people before asking for anything; skipping greetings is rude
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
- Ask before photographing people, markets or shrines
- Dress modestly outside beach areas, especially in the north
Tipping
10% is welcome in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis and give small notes to porters.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ghana Tourism Authority
- Speedtest Global Index: Ghana
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.