Last updated: 15 Jan 2025
Ghana
About
| The Makola Market is a large and busy open-air market attended by traders from surrounding villages. The Osu Night Market is illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles. The Makola Market is a large and busy open-air market attended by traders from surrounding villages. The Osu Night Market is illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles. Go on safari. Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bia National Park, Bui National Park, Mole Game Reserve and Kakum Nature Reserve are also all good options for hiking and exploring the savannah and rainforest. The Shai Hills Game Reserve can be explored on horseback. Explore Mole National Park, the largest and one of the best-equipped nature reserves. | |
| Capital: | Accra (ACC) |
| Currency: | Ghana Cedi (GHS) |
| Language: | English. Several local languages are also spoken including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe and Ga. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 233 |
| Time Zones: | No GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Public Holidays: |
Jan 1, 7; Mar 6, 31; Apr 18, 21; May 1; Jun 7; Aug 4; Sep 21-22; Dec 5, 25-26 |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | October to March |
| Best For: | Spectacular coastline, UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz; usually British-style plugs with three square pins |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, however bottled water is available and recommended. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. It is advisable to carry any prescription medication you require with you along with a note from your doctor. |
| Customs: | Dress should be conservative (particularly in the North) and respect to local customs should be shown. Ghanaians do most things with their right hand; eating, touching food, taking and receiving things, waving, shaking hands etc. The left hand is used for 'dirty things' and it is regarded as rude to use the left hand for the aforementioned things. Visitors to remote villages, shrines or palaces should visit the local elder or priest and take a small gift. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or airports. Homosexuality is illegal. Civilians may not wear camouflage clothing. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Many official tourist sites charge addition fees for photography and/or use of a video camera. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans and avoid protests. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Ghana without incurring customs duty: • 500g of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco. • 375ml of spirits. • 750ml of wine. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited imports include infected animals and carcasses, beads of inflammable celluloid, raw coffee imported overland, coins not up to standard, contaminated food, knuckle dusters, literature considered scandalising, defamatory or demoralising, counterfeit money, obscene articles and dangerous weapons. Restricted imports include diamonds, films, gambling devices, plants and plant products, arms and ammunition, milk deficient in fat, animal traps and nets, and certain spirits (eg brandy, whisky and rum must have been stored in wood for at least three years). |
Issuing Authorities
High Commission of the Republic of Ghana
1038 Arcadia Street, Hatfield 0083
Tel: 012 342 5847
Email: pretoria@mfa.gov.gh
Web: pretoria.mfa.gov.gh
Accredited to: Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles & Swaziland.
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by SA passport holders for visits of up to 90 days in a 12-month period. If travelling for work purposes, or should your stay exceed 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return / onward travel arrangements
- Ensure passport is valid for 6 months beyond departure date
VISA REQUIREMENTS
- Visas can be applied for online at pretoria.ghanagovernmentmission.com
- Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from date of departure, and must have signature of bearer.
- One (1) completed online application form duly signed and dated by applicant.
- Signature on application form must tally with applicant's signature in the passport.
- Signed letter of consent for applicants under 18 years (signed by both parents or guardians) and photocopy of parents or guardians passports data page.
- Proof of payment of the appropriate visa fees.
- Please refer to the online portal for a list of documents which you will be required to submit during the application process.
- When done completing the online application, remember to lodge your VISA PACK - this must include the physical passport, proof of payment and all relevant support documents - at the nearest Application Centre. The VISA PACK can be lodged by the applicant in person at the Application Centre or via a third-party courier.
SA Representative
South African High Commission
Plot NR A69, Orphan Crescent, North Labone
Tel: +233 302 740 450
E-mail: accra.dha@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/Accra/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
