10 Travel Tips For First Time Traveling to Ghana

Traveling to Africa for the first time can be quite challenging, especially when you don’t have any contact person in the country you are visiting. So, we at Lovor Quest Club have decided to compile this beginner's guide to traveling to Ghana for the first time.

Many Black travelers say Ghana feels like home. While the country's popularity has grown since the Year of Return in 2019, there are still a lot of Diasporans who want to visit the West African country.

If you do want to visit the country, make sure you're well prepared and up to date on what you'll need both before and after you arrive. We've got you covered, of course!

Here's a list of 10 things to know before visiting Ghana, including beaches, and visa requirements.

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1. Visa Required For Entry

A visa is necessary for U.S. citizens seeking entry into Ghana.

By clicking here, you can learn more about the visa requirements and apply for one.

2. Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirement

All passengers 9 months of age and older must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival.

Because the main mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, is present throughout its territory, immunization is required to protect against Yellow Fever.

It's possible that you'll be denied entry if you don't have it.

3. Covid-19 Vaccination

Travelers to Ghana who are over 18 years old may be required to present proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination. Although this is not currently mandatory, it's important to stay informed about any updates.

4. Know Your Conversion Rates

Download a cash converter app to your phone to stay updated on the latest currency conversion rates. In today's global economy, having access to accurate financial information is crucial, especially for frequent travelers or those involved in international transactions. These apps provide real-time exchange rates, enabling informed decisions when shopping abroad, sending money internationally, or managing finances.

Cash converter apps typically have user-friendly interfaces and offer features like historical exchange rate data for trend analysis and alerts for specific currency pairs to aid timely decisions. Some apps also include calculators for quick currency conversions, saving time and reducing stress.

By using a cash converter app, you enhance your financial literacy and empower yourself to make informed choices in an interconnected world.

5. Get A Bug Repellent

When planning a trip to Ghana, it's essential to prepare for the local environment, particularly regarding mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent with DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) for effective protection, as it can be hard to find in Ghana. Purchase enough before your trip to last your stay.

Upon arrival, apply repellent regularly to all exposed skin and clothing, especially during dawn and dusk. Reapply every few hours, particularly during outdoor activities or if sweating, as DEET's effectiveness diminishes over time in hot, humid conditions. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants for extra protection. These precautions can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

6. Ghana has over 80 languages

Ghana is culturally diverse, with over seventy ethnic groups and around eighty languages spoken nationwide. This diversity creates a vibrant cultural tapestry. English, the official language due to British colonial history, is crucial for unifying the population and is used in government, legal affairs, and education. Besides English, the government supports several indigenous languages, including the widely spoken Akan languages and Twi dialects. Other important languages are Dagaare, Dangbe, Dagbane, Ga, Kasem, Ewe, and Nzema, which preserve the history and traditions of their ethnic groups, enriching Ghana's linguistic landscape.

7. The Power Randomly Goes Out.

In Ghana, power outages, known as "dumsor," are a significant challenge, especially in urban areas like Accra. Dumsor involves unpredictable blackouts that disrupt daily life, affecting work, food storage, and more. These outages stem from a chronic power supply shortage due to underinvestment, inadequate generation capacity, and maintenance issues, leading to rolling blackouts. Residents face frustration due to the unpredictability of these outages.

Travelers to Ghana, particularly to Accra, should prepare for dumsor by packing a reliable power bank and fast charger to stay connected during outages. It's also beneficial to identify local resources, such as cafes with backup generators, to use as safe havens during prolonged blackouts. Being aware of dumsor and planning accordingly can improve the travel experience in Ghana.

8. Yes, There Are Beaches in Ghana

Ghana boasts a remarkable coastline that extends over 300 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.

Some of the finest beaches include Bojo Beach, Labadi Beach, Kokrobite Beach, Coco Beach, and Cape Three Points Beach.

9. Be Ready To Negotiate

When going to the market, remember that all prices can be negotiated. Become comfortable with the art of bargaining.

A common practice is to aim for paying half of the initial price. It's also advantageous to visit markets with a trusted local to secure better deals.

10. Ghana Is Welcoming and Friendly

What you'll appreciate about Ghana is the warmth and friendliness of its people. Like many other countries, Ghana faces its own challenges, but its residents are typically respectful and eager for you to experience their culture.