We are excited to welcome you to Accra, Ghana for the 12th edition of the African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AFPIF). To help you prepare your trip, here is some practical information to facilitate your travel to Accra, Ghana.
Visa Requirements
It is strongly recommended for all traveling delegates to obtain their entry visas for Ghana prior to traveling. A visa may be obtained from Ghana Embassies/High Commissions, Consulates or other Embassies authorized by the Government of Ghana to issue visas on its behalf. For more information, contact the Ghana Embassy, consulate, or representation in your area.
Visa requirements vary per country. To check on the visa requirements for your nationality, visit the official website for the Ghana Immigration Services.
ECOWAS Passport holders do not require a visa for entry in Ghana. It is advised to travel with your ECOWAS passport and not your ID card. You will not be permitted to board without a passport. Check the list of ECOWAS member states.
Visa on arrival may be available for certain nationalities. The fee for the visa on arrival is $150 USD and is payable in cash at the Kotoka International Airport to the Ghana Immigration Services. Learn more about eligibility and requirements.
To obtain a visa on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, you’ll need a “Authorization to Board” Letter. Ghana Immigration Services will prepare a letter confirming that visa will be obtained upon arrival. This letter should be presented to airlines to be allowed to board your flights. For more information on obtaining a visa on arrival, email the AFPIF Secretariat.
Other Useful information
Money, Finance, Currency
Most major credit cards are accepted; however, it is best to carry cash in the local currency (Ghana Cedi). Foreign Exchange bureaus are available in most hotels and at shopping centers. ATMs are also available for cash withdrawals. Currencies widely accepted for change are US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), CFA Franc (XOF), Pound Sterling (GBP).
Health
- Fill out the Ghana Health Declaration form prior to travel (to be filled out no more than 3 days before traveling).
- Proof of valid yellow fever vaccine and covid-19 vaccine cards are required for entry in Ghana.
- Consult your physician about malaria prevention or any other health concerns you may have traveling to Ghana.
- Be sure to pack mosquito repellent.
- Avoid water sold in sachet/plastic bags. It is best to consume bottled water.
Weather/Climate
The weather is moderately sunny. There is very low probability of rain but with recent climate change it is possible that there may be a few rain shao. Be sure to pack some light clothes as it gets warm.
Transportation
- Ride share apps that work in Accra: Uber, Yango, Bolt (you may need to use cash in some instances).
- Shuttle services may be available at hotels. Inquire with your place of accommodation.
- Taxis have a sign on the roof of the vehicle stating ‘taxi’ and are painted amber and either black, grey, or red. The variation in colors do not have any significance. It is recommended to use the ride apps as they are safer and routes can be tracked. A taxi from the airport to your hotel would averagely cost GHS 60.
- Never underestimate Accra traffic. Be sure to allow ample time when traveling within city limits.
Telecommunication
At the airport, you can purchase a SIM card for voice and data services.
Recommended networks are MTN, Vodafone and Airtel-Tigo. Make sure to purchase these from an authorized provider/kiosk. A form of identification will be necessary for SIM registration and activation.
Beware of
- Solicitation from people at the airport without proper identification insisting to help with luggage.
- Pick pockets when in busy areas especially markets and on the streets.
- Keep phones and bags away from open widows when in transit.