An entry visa is required, and applying early at your local Ghana consulate will make all the difference. You will need a valid passport, a yellow fever immunization certificate, proof of financial means, names and addresses of Ghana references, a return trip itinerary and confirmed accommodation. For a work permit, you will also need a police certificate from your home country and proof of professional and educational qualifications. Some African nationals are visa exempt, as are holders of diplomatic and official passports from some countries. Check the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) website (gis.gov.gh) for up-to-date information.

Make sure you have a yellow fever vaccine and ask your doctor about antimalarial drugs. Pack summer clothing, as temperatures hover around thirty degrees Celsius (eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. Make sure that your cell phone is unlocked for use in Ghana and bring a power bank, as power outages occur often. Ghana’s economy is cash-driven, so exchange enough for your first few days.

Ghana offers both single- and multiple-entry visas, and you should plan to get one ahead of traveling, although a visa-on-arrival may be granted in special circumstances. If you have a job offer, you can apply for a six-month, multiple-entry visa that will grant you sufficient time to obtain work and residence permits. If you’re visiting Ghana on business, you’ll need to provide a letter from your organization stating the purpose of your visit, financial means and other relevant details. You will also need a supporting letter from your business associates in Ghana. Students require a letter of acceptance from a Ghanaian institution and a sponsor letter indicating financial means and purpose of visit. It’s mandatory for all visitors to show a certificate confirming immunization for yellow fever. For full visa requirements check the GIS website. 

To work or start a business in Ghana, you must secure work and residence permits. A noncitizen ID is required and can be obtained from the National Identification Authority (nia.gov.gh) or any of the designated registration centers listed on the VFS Global website (vfsglobal.com/nia/ghana). Once you have this, you or your employer can apply for both a work and residence permit with GIS. You’ll need a police certificate from your country of residence, a medical report and relevant professional certifications. Firmus Advisory (firmusadvisory.com) provides an exhaustive guide to obtaining both permits, and M&O Law Consult (molawconsult.com) provides counsel on immigration law.

All residents of Ghana are required to have health insurance, whether private or public. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is the country’s public health insurance provider, and its website (nhis.gov.gh) has a list of licensed private health insurance providers and details on how to register for health insurance. Most foreigners opt for private insurance, and, in many cases, their employers arrange it in advance. Ensure that your insurance provider is licensed by the National Health Insurance Authority before signing up. Acacia (ahighana.com) and Nationwide Medical Insurance (nationwidemh.com) are popular options to consider. West African Rescue Association (westafrican-rescue.com) offers emergency relief services like patient evacuation as well as primary and specialist healthcare. Home renter’s insurance isn’t often required by landlords in Ghana, but you may want to insure your personal property against floods or burglary. Allianz Ghana (allianz-gh.com) offers various home insurance options.