Visiting Ghana in December: a diaspora checklist

Last updated: 19 October 2026

December is when the diaspora comes home: weddings, family reunions, church harvests, Christmas, concerts and beach parties. Flights fill up early and paperwork takes time, so the best trips start with good planning in October. Here is a checklist for Ghanaians, partners and children travelling from Germany, the UK and across Europe.

Passports and visas

• Passport validity: your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive. Expiring soon? See how to renew your Ghana passport abroad, and start early.
• Ghanaian passport holders travel home on their Ghana passport.
• British and German passport holders need a visa, for example a partner, or children who only hold a foreign passport. Apply online through the Ghana High Commission in London or the Ghana Embassy in Berlin. UK government advice gives a processing time of 10 to 15 days, with express options. Apply well before December.
• Dual citizens: Ghana recognises dual nationality. Ghanaian-British dual nationals can get a dual nationality card that shows they don't need a visa. See Ghana dual citizenship explained.
• New e-visa system: Ghana launched an official e-visa platform in May 2026. Check with your Embassy or High Commission which system applies to your passport.
• Children travelling with one parent should carry a signed consent letter from the other parent, and the child's birth certificate.

Health: yellow fever and malaria

• Yellow fever: you need a certificate of yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana (US advice says for travellers aged 9 months and older). Bring the yellow card with you. Book the vaccination at a travel clinic in good time.
• Malaria: even if you grew up in Ghana, your immunity fades after living abroad. Ask your doctor or a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets, and use repellent and a mosquito net.
• Harmattan: from around December the dry, dusty Harmattan wind arrives. Pack lip balm and moisturiser, and medicine for asthma or allergies if you need it.
• Get travel health insurance that covers Ghana and medical evacuation.

Money

• Declare foreign currency on your arrival form. UK government advice says you may bring up to the cedi equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash, and larger amounts can be confiscated.
• Most people pay with mobile money (MoMo). Ask a family member to help you set up a wallet, or send money to theirs before you travel; see how to send money to Ghana.
• Use bank ATMs inside banks or malls, and tell your bank you are travelling.

December tips

• Book flights early. Prices to Accra rise sharply for mid-December; flying in early December or after Christmas can save a lot.
• Ship gifts in advance. Shippers close Christmas bookings weeks before. Read shipping to Ghana from Germany and the UK.
• Plan airport pick-up with family or a trusted driver before you land.
• Get your Ghana Card done while you are home if you don't have one yet; see the Ghana Card guide.
• Expect traffic in Accra and Kumasi around Christmas and New Year, and plan journeys between cities early in the day.
• Looking at land or a house while you are there? Read buying land in Ghana safely first.

Staying safe

• Keep passports and phones close at the airport, and avoid showing valuables when leaving it.
• Watch out for card skimming; cover the keypad and keep your card in sight.
• Road safety: avoid driving at night between cities, and always wear a seatbelt.
• Be alert at large crowds and events over the holidays.
• Emergency numbers: police 191 or 112, ambulance 193 or 112.

Packing checklist

• Passport (6+ months valid) and visa for anyone who needs one
• Yellow fever certificate
• Ghana Card, if you have one
• Antimalarials, repellent and your usual medicines in labelled packs
• Travel insurance details
• Copies of documents (also saved on your phone)
• UK or European plug adapter (Ghana uses the British-style three-pin plug)
• Light clothes, and something smart for church and family occasions

Frequently asked questions