Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Accra, taking appropriate precautions. Seek security advice from a provider for travel to outlying areas.

 

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been confirmed in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.  

There have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Ghana. 

 

Crime

 

Most visits to Ghana are trouble free, but incidents of petty and violent crime do occur. Avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables, use a hotel safe whenever possible and be particularly vigilant when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

 

Take care at public beaches and avoid going to the beach on your own. Theft is the main problem, but there have been isolated incidents of sexual assault.

 

Theft of luggage and travel documents occurs at Kotoka International Airport and in hotels. Make sure your passport is secure at all times and don’t leave baggage unattended. Be wary of offers of help at the airport unless 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. If you are being collected at the airport, confirm the identity of your driver by asking for ID. Foreign nationals have been robbed by impostors who have approached them before the main arrivals area pretending to be their driver.

 

In 2014, there have been cases of violent robberies involving foreign nationals who have been attacked and robbed while travelling in taxis after dark. There have also been incidents where an assailant has been concealed in the boot of the taxi. A number of foreign nationals in Tamale have recently been attacked and robbed by machete wielding individuals. You should travel around by private car and avoid walking on the roads, or using a motor scooter or bicycle after dark in the Tamale area.

 

If you’re unlucky enough to be caught up in an armed robbery, you should immediately comply with the attackers’ demands. Those who have suffered injury or worse during such attacks have been perceived as not complying fully or quickly enough. The vast majority of those who endure such attacks, and follow this advice, do so without lasting physical harm.

 

Most armed robberies occur at night though some incidences have happened during daytime. Be vigilant and drive with doors locked.

 

Scams

 

Foreign nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists operating in West Africa. The scams come in many forms - romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities, and can pose great financial risk to victims. You should treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa.

 

If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Ghana you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it. If the caller claims to be in distress, you should ask whether they have reported the incident (by phone or e-mail) to the relevant embassy.

 

If you have sent money to someone you believe has scammed you and are contacted by a police officer for more money to help get your money back, then this is possibly another part of the scam. Scam artists have also been known to use the identity of officials at the British High Commission in Accra. If you receive an email from someone claiming to be an official at the British High Commission, contact the officer using the phone numbers or contact details for the British High Commission.

 

Local travel

 

As a result of occasional local Chieftancy and land disputes, isolated inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest can occur at any time including in the Northern, Upper East and Volta Regions.

 

There have been reports of violent clashes in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana which has left 2 people dead and 1 person injured.

 

Following sporadic violence, the government has imposed a curfew in some parts of the Northern and Volta regions. The curfew in Nakpanduri is from 7pm to 5am daily and affects the surrounding communities: Kpatritings, Bonbila, Borgni Boatarrigu and Sakagu. The curfew in Bimbilla is from 9pm to 5am daily. The curfew in Alvanyo and Nkonya in the Volta region is from 8pm to 5am daily.

 

If you are considering travel to the Northern Region, remain alert to the potential for new outbreaks of fighting. Keep in touch with daily developments through the local media.

 

Flooding is common in the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions during the rainy season (March to November). You should monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in Ghana using an International Driving Permit or a local driving licence. A European driving licence is not valid.  You should carry your driving licence or International Driving Permit with you at all times when driving. Genvisec recommends that a local driver is used at all times to avoid problems, self drive should be avoided.

 

Roads are mainly in a poor condition, particularly in rural areas. Street lighting is poor or non-existent. Avoid travelling by road outside the main towns after dark, when the risk of accidents and robbery is greater. Grass or leaves strewn in the road often means an accident or other hazard ahead.

 

Safety standards on small private buses, known as ‘Tro-Tros’ and taxis are often low. Don’t use ‘Tro-Tros’ outside the major towns and cities. Avoid travelling alone in taxis after dark.

 

Air travel

 

Two airlines – Meridian Airways Ltd and International (GH) Ltd – are subject to an operating ban or restrictions on flying to the EU due to safety concerns. Further details are available on the Genvisec website. Refusal of permission to operate is often based on inspections of aircraft at EU airports. The fact that an airline is not included in the list does not automatically mean that it meets the applicable safety standards.

 

Genvisec can offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. 

 

Sea travel

 

There have been attacks against ships in and around Accra’s waters. Be vigilant and take appropriate precautions, for anti-piracy advice contact Genvisec.

 

Swimming

 

Swimming is dangerous on the beaches along the southern coast of Ghana due to rip tides and undertows.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Ghana is a conservative and deeply religious country. Although modern and progressive attitudes also prevail, you should show respect for traditional values and morals.  

 

Dress modestly in public.

 

Wearing military clothing including camouflage is prohibited.

 

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug related offences are severe. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can lead to a prison sentence in excess of 5 years, usually after a lengthy and expensive legal process. Bail is not normally granted. Class Drugs like cocaine are likely to be laced with other substances. Foreign visitors, have died after taking these drugs.

 

Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times, and put the original document in a safe.

 

Homosexuality is illegal. Although there is a small gay community, there is no ‘scene’ and most Ghanaians don’t accept that such activity exists.

 

Photography near sensitive sites like military installations or the airport is strictly prohibited. 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 take pictures of well-known sites of interest.

 

Ghanaian family law is very different from UK law, particularly when child custody becomes an issue.

 

Money

ATMs are common in large towns and will accept most UK cards. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, guesthouses and some shops, but Mastercard is not widely accepted. Credit card fraud is common. Take care when using your cards, and contact your card issuer before you travel in case they put a block on your account.

 

Travellers’ cheques can be exchanged in large hotels, banks and bureaux de change. Travellers cheques from some foreign banks are not accepted. Check with your bank before you travel.

 

Visa

 

Foreign passport holders need a visa to enter Ghana. For further information contact the Ghanaian High Commission in London.

 

Overstaying without the proper authority can lead to detention or refused permission to leave the country until a fine is paid.

 

Dual nationality

 

Ghana recognises dual nationality. To avoid visas fees, Ghanaian-Foreign nationals should register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and get a Dual Nationality card. Production of this card at point of entry into Ghana will indicate that a visa is not required.

 

Residents

 

If you’re going to live in Ghana you’ll need to get a National Identification Authority Non-Citizen Ghanacard.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your visa application.

 

Emergency travel documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry or transit through Ghana. However, ETDs are accepted for exit from Ghana.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Volunteering

 

If you are travelling to work in a volunteer programme or for work experience you should be fully aware of the terms and conditions of your stay and be sure that you will be working for a reputable organisation before you commit yourself to travel.

 

Health

Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by Genvisec.

 

Medical facilities are poor outside towns. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. 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.

 

There are reports of a Cholera outbreak in Accra. Some isolated cases of cholera haven also been reported in northern Ghana.

 

Consular Assistance

 

UK Citizens

 

British High Commission Accra

Osu Link 

off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue 

PO Box 296

Accra

Ghana

 

Email

High.Commission.Accra@fco.gov.uk

 

Telephone

+ 233 302 213 250

 

Passport Adviceline

+ 44 300 222 0000

 

Fax

+ 233 30 2213 274

 

Visa Section E-mail address

accra.visa.corr@fco.gov.uk

 

Visa Hotline

+ 44 1243 213 316

 

Emergency consular assistance (24 hours)

For emergency assistance, such as in the event of the death, assault, arrest or hospitalisation of a British national, call + 233 302 213 250 and follow the instructions to be connected with consular officers.

 

If you are calling from the UK about a British national in Ghana, call the UK Consular Assistance Team in London on + 44 (0) 207 008 1500.

 

US Citizens

 

No. 19 Fifth Link Road

Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

 

If you are an American Citizen with an emergency, you may contact on the following number and request to speak with the U.S. Embassy Duty Officer: +233-30-274-1000.

 

The phone number is the same whether you are calling during business hours or after-hours.

 

Canadian Citizens

 

Street Address

42 Independence Avenue

Accra, Ghana

Sankara Interchange (Ako Adjei Overpass)

 

Telephone: 011 (233) 30 2211 521

Facsimile: 011 (233) 30 2211 523 / 2773 792 / 2211 524 (visas)

Email: accra@international.gc.ca

 

Postal Address

High Commission of Canada

P.O. Box 1639

Accra, Ghana

 

Hours of Operation

 

Monday to Thursday: 07:30 – 16:00

Friday: 07:30 – 13:00

 

Australian Citizens

 

High Commission address: 2, Second Rangoon Close , (cnr Josef B. Tito Ave), Cantonments

 

Telephone: (+233 302) 216400 - Fax: (+233 302) 216410

 

Norwegian Citzens

 

Visiting address:

10, Klotey Crescent

North Labone  

Accra, Ghana

 

Postal address:

PMB CT 6, Cantonment

Accra, Ghana

Phone number: +233 302744300 or+47 23954000 when calling from Norway.

Telefax: n/a

E-mail (general requests): emb.accra@mfa.no  

E-mail (visa and consular):  visa.accra@mfa.no

 

Swedish Citizens

 

Accra

 

Address: House No F785/1

11th Lane Osu R E 

Accra

Postal address: Consulate of Sweden

P O Box 4916

Accra

Republic of Ghana

Phone:

+233 21 773145, +233 21 773125, +233 21 773183

Fax:

+233 21 773175

E-mail:

amarlaw@ighmail.com