Sub Saharan Africa

Insurance

 

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See Travel insurance for more details.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

 

Volunteer programme work

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

On the whole Ghanaians are very welcoming and friendly toward foreign visitors.  You may be besieged with insistent offers of help, friendship guidance etc. or may be left alone to do your own thing.  It is wise to be aware of, and cope with both scenarios.  Be friendly but firm if you are not happy with arrangements or any situation you find yourself in.

 

Registering with the British High Commission

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE 

 

Dual nationality

Ghana recognises dual nationality.  In order for Ghanaian/British Nationals to avoid visas fees, they should register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and be issued with a Dual Nationality card.  Production of this card at point of entry into Ghana will indicate that a visa and the corresponding fee are not required.  There are strict limitations on UK consular assistance available to dual nationals.

 

Replacing your passport

Accra is a passport issuing post.  Full and emergency passport issuing facilities are available.  It should be noted that passports cost more overseas than they do in the UK.

Money

 

In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, ATMs are commonplace and will accept most UK cash cards – but not Switch.  Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, guesthouses and some shops, but credit card fraud is commonplace and you should exercise caution when using them.  You should contact your bank if you intend to use you credit cards in Ghana as many banks do not honour any transactions attempted here either in hotels or at ATMs due to the possibility of fraud.  MasterCard is not widely accepted for use in Ghana particularly at ATMs.  Travellers' Cheques can be exchanged in large hotels, banks and Forex bureaux.  However, Travellers Cheques from some UK banks are not accepted: check with your bank prior to travel.

 

The Government of Ghana has introduced new banknotes (Ghana cedi) and coins (Ghana pesewa). 10,000 cedis = 1 Ghana cedi = 100 Ghana pesewas. The old currency is no longer legal tender as of 31 December 2007. The Government of Ghana has established a website to inform the public about the currency redenomination at:  http://www.ghanacedi.gov.gh/.