Ghana’s borders are closed to all passenger traffic for two weeks from midnight on Sunday 22 March 2020. All Norwegian citizens are encouraged to follow measures and guidelines from the Norwegian and Ghanaian authorities, as these can be changed quickly. See more information under “Health”. We remind you of voluntary travel registration for Norwegian citizens at reiseregistrering.no.
Safety
Ghana is characterized by political and economic stability and relatively low crime rates. Travelers are encouraged to take the necessary precautions and to exercise caution after dark and at large crowds. There have been single cases of violent crime targeting foreigners and tourists, including kidnapping. Some of the border areas facing Burkina Faso, Togo and Ivory Coast are more vulnerable to riots and criminal acts and one should carefully consider the current situation before any travel to these areas.
There are severe penalties for crime, including drug possession. Gay practices are prohibited.
Ghana is not particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, but during the rainy season (April – October) the amount of rainfall can be so severe that floods occur, especially in the cities. Accra is at a fault where there have been minor shakes in recent years (below 4 on Richter’s scale). Occasionally strong ocean currents off Ghana’s beaches.
There is widespread internet fraud in West Africa, and it is warned against contacting the Internet with people you do not know.
Norwegian citizens staying in or planning a trip to Ghana are encouraged to register their travel via www.reiseregistrering.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegians must have a visa to Ghana.
Visas can be applied for at the Ghana Embassy in Oslo. This should be done well in advance of departure, as the processing time can be up to three weeks.
Yellow fever vaccine is required and vaccination cards must be presented upon entry.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): The coronavirus was first detected in Ghana on March 12, 2020 in Accra. The health services in Ghana are generally weak and have poor capacity, even in the big cities.
The Embra Embassy is closed to the public. Contact us by email: emb.accra@mfa.no.
Ghana has imposed restrictions on freedom of movement for two weeks from Monday, March 30 at. 01:00 (for two weeks) to make people stay at home as much as possible. The restrictions apply to the population of Accra (including areas around the neighboring town/port city of Tema), as well as Kumasi.
Ghana’s borders are closed to all passenger traffic for two weeks from midnight on Sunday 22 March 2020.
The only flights allowed are evacuation flights for repatriation of foreign nationals. Norway and the EU countries are working to offer the opportunity to Norwegians who want to leave Ghana.
We must give priority to assisting Norwegian citizens who are on short-term stays abroad to return home. By short-term stays, we mean Norwegian citizens who are registered as permanent residents of Norway and who are on a temporary journey abroad. Residents have a closer connection to the country they are in and should follow the advice and guidance of local authorities.
If you are not registered and wish to travel, please send us the information requested below via www.reiseregistrering.no:
- Full Name
- date of birth
- passport number
- Are you in the risk group for covid-19
- Phone number one can be reached in the country of residence
- Residence in the country
The cost of flights must be covered by the individual. Any further transport from arrival in Europe must be arranged and paid for by the individual. There are no specific plans for flights at this time.
Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of how the pandemic is developing. Follow the local authorities’ measures, advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation, including restrictions on entry and exit and rules on arrival from abroad.
Relevant up-to-date information on the pandemic can be found on Ghana’s outbreak response management updates.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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Travel vaccines are recommended and should be checked by a doctor. Ghana is malaria area. Preventative medication is recommended, as well as mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.
There are private hospitals and clinics in the big cities of acceptable standard for the treatment of the most common diseases. There are also dental clinics of an acceptable standard.
Hospitals abroad are recommended for more serious cases. It is encouraged to take out travel insurance that covers transport in case of serious illness or injury after accidents.
Practical information
Official name is Republic of Ghana. Common administrative and national languages are English, which is mastered by the vast majority in the south, but by fewer in the rural areas of the north. According to allcitycodes, Ghana area code is +233.
International driving license is required for tourists who want to drive themselves. Ghanaian driver’s license is required for longer stays.
There is mobile coverage in large parts of the country, at least in urban areas and along the busiest roads.