Saily eSIM for Ghana
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3,172 mi away
£1 GHS 15.52
Today
10:38 am
Same time as you
Travel warning
Heavy flooding is causing major disruption to travel and infrastructure in places like Accra, making many areas unsafe.
Weather & climate
Weather in Ghana
Ghana
27°
Light drizzle
Thu
24°
27°
Fri
23°
27°
Sat
23°
26°
Sun
23°
26°
Mon
22°
28°
Tue
22°
28°
Wed
24°
28°
SPF level in Ghana
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Ghana
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Ghana, which requires completing an online application and sending supporting documents by post.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after your arrival date in Ghana.
You must present a certificate proving you have had a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana.
To extend your visa, you must take the extension form and photos in person to the Ghana Immigration Service office in Accra.
You can use an express service in person at the Ghana Premium Application Centre in London to get a visa in around three days.
Good to know:
You must declare all hard currency using a form on arrival and can only bring in the cedi equivalent of up to 10,000 US dollars in value.
Ghanaian-British dual nationals can register for a dual nationality card which allows entry without a visa.
Safety in Ghana
Tips when travelling
Ghana is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your passport and valuables in a hotel safe, and carry a copy of your passport's photo page as ID.
Avoid walking alone after dark and be careful withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Do not visit beaches alone due to risks of theft, violent crime, and sexual assault.
Use licensed taxis and check the driver's ID before travelling, especially avoiding solo taxi rides after dark.
Swimming at beaches on the southern coast is dangerous due to rip tides and undertows.
Bonus tips:
Wearing military or camouflage clothing is illegal.
Even small amounts of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can result in long prison sentences.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Ghana
UK driving licenses are valid for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended for longer stays.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Ghana drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Ghana
While Ghana is not in the EU and the GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable, it's crucial to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation. Medical facilities, especially outside of Accra, may be limited, and serious cases may require evacuation.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Consult your doctor well in advance of travel for recommended vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Drink only bottled water and be cautious of food hygiene. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more accepted, especially in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in major cities. However, cash is still widely preferred.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +14105819994
Tipping in Ghana
Tipping is not mandatory in Ghana, but it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas, as a reward for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service.
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
2-5 GHS per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 GHS per day.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for international roaming charges in Ghana. Roaming can be expensive, consider a local SIM card for cheaper data.
Local SIM
10 GB for 300 GHS (~£25)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Ghana
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities, but may be less common or have lower speeds in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan is generally the most cost-effective way to access the internet. Public WiFi networks are available, but their security may vary.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
191
Ambulance
193
Fire
192
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Ghana
Country code
+233
To call the number 0302 213200 within Accra from the UK, you would dial 00 233 302 213200.
The country code for Ghana is 233. When calling Ghana from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 233, followed by the local number. Remove the leading zero (if any) from the local number.. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
Languages in Ghana
English(primary)
Akan
UK Embassy
British High Commission Accra
Osu Link, Off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, Accra
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
13 days ago
Travel disruption
- The warning about recent flooding in parts of Ghana, including Accra, has been removed.
- Advice to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor weather, and follow local authority instructions is no longer included.
Safety and security
16 days ago
Regional risks
- Flooding now includes Accra and surrounding urban areas, not just the named northern regions.
- Heavy rain can cause rapid flooding in cities, disrupting transport, electricity, and services.
Warnings and insurance
16 days ago
Travel disruption
- Heavy rainfall has now caused flooding in parts of Ghana, including areas of Accra and its surroundings.
- Flooding may cause disruption to roads, transport services, power supplies and other infrastructure.
Airports in Ghana
Beaches in Ghana
Frequently asked questions
Ghana is generally a safe country for tourists. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution, avoid displaying valuables, and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Ghana for tourism purposes. You can apply for a visa through the Ghana High Commission in London or online through authorized visa agencies. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
The best time to visit Ghana is during the dry season, which runs from November to March. The weather is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for exploring the country's attractions. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid climate. Modest clothing is advisable, especially when visiting religious sites. Consider long sleeves and trousers to protect against mosquito bites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
The local currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). You can exchange money at banks, forex bureaus, and some hotels. It's advisable to exchange money upon arrival at the airport or in major cities for better rates. Credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments, but cash is widely used.
Ghanaians are generally friendly and hospitable. It is polite to greet people before starting a conversation. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection. Bargaining is common in markets, but do so respectfully. Be aware that photographing military or government installations is prohibited.
Ghana offers a diverse range of attractions, including historical sites such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, beautiful beaches like Busua Beach, national parks like Kakum National Park with its canopy walkway, and vibrant markets like Makola Market in Accra. Kumasi, the Ashanti capital, is also worth a visit for its cultural heritage.
Eating street food in Ghana can be a delicious and affordable way to experience the local cuisine. However, exercise caution and choose vendors that appear clean and hygienic. Ensure the food is freshly cooked and served hot. Avoid eating from stalls that have been sitting out for a long time. Drink only bottled water.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.