Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ghana
Ghana is considered a good and welcoming place, especially for first-time travellers to Africa. Tourism is a growing industry in Ghana.
Ghana presents a lot of opportunities to experience Africa through national parks, nature reserves and villages.
English is the official language of Ghana. But, not always the primary language people speak. Local languages also include Ga, Twi and Ewe.
The largest city, Accra is also the capital city of Ghana. Accra is a growing city with modern amenities of hotels, restaurants and a vast number of museums.
Do I Need Vaccines for Ghana?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ghana. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ghana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travelers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Ghana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Ghana |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Documentation of yellow fever vaccination is required in Ghana. Make sure you are vaccinated before you go or you may be denied entry to the country.
Meningitis spreads in the region during the summer months. A meningitis vaccination is the best form of protection against this potentially deadly disease.
Malaria, dengue and chikungunya are all present in Ghana. Be sure to bring antimalarials, mosquito repellents and netting to stay protected while in-country.
Outside of Accra, access to medical facilities is limited. Make sure to bring any prescriptions you will need.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Is Cholera in Ghana?
There is a risk of contracting cholera in certain regions of Ghana. There have been hundreds of reported deaths of citizens of Ghana due to cholera. This is mostly due to lack of access to safe drinking water and treatment.
Passport Health’s travel clinics carry VaxChora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the United States. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Ghana
“The Travel Specialist was extremely helpful and accommodating, as this is first trip to Ghana, Africa. She was very thorough in reviewing my itinerary with me, and answered all my questions. She made me feel so at ease. Her customer service was great, and because of this, I will definitely visit Passport Health again to obtain other recommended immunizations.”
“I was in a hurry to get shots updated for a spur of the moment buisiness trip to Ghana and they got me in and had an itinerary ready for me, shots done and I was in and out in about 30 minutes, I was very impressed, the nurse was very personable while doing an outstanding job, I will go back if I travel spur of the moment again overseas to make sure I am current on all shots.”
“I haven’t had any shots since high school, and need to travel to Ghana. The passport health representative was very calming when dealing with someone who is definitely not a fan of shots. It was greatly appreciated!!”
“My recent trip to the Passport Health was my second trip since 2013. the nurse was very friendly and remembered me from my visit in 2013. She had everything that she wanted to share with me about my trip to Ghana prepared and ready for me. thank goodness I did not need another shot!”
“This service has helped get my child ready for travel to Ghana and Peru and has helped me assure that she is ready. The folders created the knowledgable staff and the consistently professional interactions are a pleasure, Thanks”
“I went for immunizations in preparation for an upcoming business trip to Ghana. The clinic was clean and the nurse was professional and knowledgable about the current threat of diseases. She based her assessment on the CDCs report on Africa. Very good experience. Will use them again.”
“What I loved about this place was there was no wait time or long lines. I had fill in everything online so there was a passport travel booklet with my name on it that including all the information I need for my travel. The Nurse cover everything and the shot was a breeze. THANKS CANT WAIT FOR MY TRIP TO GHANA”
“I had a very positive experience with Passport Health. I appreicated the booklet with all sorts of tips on staying safe in Ghana. Bless you.”
“I found Passport Health very helpful in the vaccinations I needed for my trip to Ghana, Africa. Stevie, RN was cordial and knowledgeable. The booklet will be helpful as I continue my plans in 2017.”
“I visited this clinic in preparation to my upcoming mission trip to Ghana. The RN at the site was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. At no time did I feel pressured or forced to chose vaccinations I didn’t need for my trip. Further at the end of the visit she provided me with a printed handout of overall things I should to know and be aware of as well as protection tips. Customer service was awesome. And I would most definitely recommend the services to my friends.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Ghana?
A passport and visa are required for travelers going to Ghana. It is best to start this process well in advance of your trip to ensure all documents are fully processed before you leave.
Documentation of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Ghana.
Ghana Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Ghana? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Ghana and U.S. State Department
Travellers over the age of six-years-old that have been traveling in Ghana for over 90 days are required to register with the National Identification Authority (NIA). Travellers will receive a Non-citizen Ghana card that will be required for transactions that require identification.
For more information, see our Ghana visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Ghana?
The majority of Ghana is a tropical savanna climate, with a small part of the southwest being a monsoon climate.
North Ghana experiences its rainy season from March-November. South Ghana’s rainy season is from April to mid-November.
Average temperatures range from 70 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Safe is Ghana?
Ghana is facing an increased threat from terrorist groups. Kidnapping that target Westerners have occurred in Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
Petty crime and scams are the most common crime that travellers face. Armed robbery and money solicitations at airports are on the rise.
Always remember to travel in groups and avoid traveling at night.
Homosexuality is illegal in Ghana and imprisonment can be from 3-10 years.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Coastal Forts in Ghana
The coastal forts of Ghana are a page out of history that helped create progress in Ghana’s modern world.
One of the largest forts in Ghana is the Cape Coast Castle that overlooks the sea. It was one of the world’s largest slave-holding sites and it still reflects the horror of that time.
The castle holds dungeons where slaves were held up to twelve weeks. In contrast, the castle also has a lavish governor’s bedroom to illustrate the inequality of the age.
Other forts to check out in Ghana include Fort Metal Cross, Fort Batenstein and Osu Castle.
What Should I Take To Ghana?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Ghana:
- Prescription Medicine – You can get basic medicine at pharmacies, but formulas may be different.
- Water Filtration – Because of the risk of cholera, typhoid and other water-borne diseases, filtration is a must. Be sure to bring a filter or cleansing tablets.
- Money – Bring travellers cheques or credit card and cash them at an ATM. Don’t use credit cards to buy items as credit card fraud is high.
U.S. Embassy in Ghana
If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Ghana, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Accra.
U.S. Embassy Accra
No. 24 Fourth Circular Road,
Cantonments, Accra, Ghana
Telephone: +233-(0)30-274-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +233-(0)30-274-1000
Email: ACSaccra@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Ghana website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about travelling to Ghana or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now! and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Ghana?
Is Cholera in Ghana?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Ghana?
What is the Climate Like in Ghana?
How Safe is Ghana?
Coastal Forts in Ghana
What Should I Take To Ghana?
U.S. Embassy in Ghana
