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After being closed since March 22, Ghana has finally reopened airports and is once again allowing foreigners to arrive for non-essential travel as of September 1.
We must have a lot of Ghanaian readers, as reopening information on Ghana has been one of the most requested topics from any nation in Africa. We’re happy to announce that Ghana has finally resumed flights and is now allowing inbound tourists.
President Akufo-Addo announced that air borders will reopen on September 1, but land and sea borders are to remain closed until further notice.
“I am glad to announce that KIA will reopen and resume operations from Tuesday, September 1, 2020. This decision has been communicated to international airlines across the world. After weeks of thorough work, I am satisfied that it is safe to do so.”
– Akufo-Addo
Before you travel to Ghana, there are some new rules and entry requirements you should know about, which we will outline in detail below.
Countries Allowed to Travel to Ghana
All nations that could normally visit Ghana pre-covid can once again enter the country, under normal visa requirements.
Within Africa, most nations enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. Outside of Africa, with the exception of a few Caribbean nations, most travelers will have to apply for a visa beforehand.
Credit: Wikipedia/Creative Commons
Testing Requirements for Ghana
Testing Required
All passengers must bring results of a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure. The test must be taken in the country of origin.
Another mandatory test will be performed at the airport upon arrival, at the cost of the passenger. News reports have suggested this test could cost up to $150 USD and will have results in around 30 minutes.
Quarantine Requirements for Ghana
Quarantine Not Required.
Passengers who bring a negative PCR test with them and undergo another test upon arrival (providing that test is also negative) will not have to quarantine.
Other entry requirements
- Passengers must fill out an online Health Declaration Form before departure
- All passengers must wear a mask on the inbound flight and at the airport. The government is very clear that the mask must be worn properly for the entire time, covering both the nose and the mouth.
- Temperature scans will be given to all arriving passengers
- While not mandatory, all visitors into Ghana should have travel insurance that covers covid
Entry Requirements Summary
- Check to see if your country requires a visa to enter Ghana
- Perform a PCR test no longer than 72 hours prior to your flight and bring the negative results with you
- Fill out the online Health Declaration Card
- Wear a mask on your inbound flight and at arrival at the airport
- Show your negative PCR test results to customs
- Queue and pay for your 2nd test, performed on arrival at Kotoka airport
Flights Resuming to Ghana
After the announcement of the reopening of ACC airport, many airlines have already started resuming scheduled flights. Here’s some direct flights that are re-starting, from:
- New York on Delta, resuming Sept 13
- London on British Airways, already resumed
- Paris on Air France, resuming Sept 9
- Brussels on Brussels Air, resuming Sept 11
- Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, resuming Sept 5
- Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc, resuming Sept 11
- Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Air, already resumed
- Sao Tome on TAP, already resumed
- Monrovia on African World Airlines, already resumed
- Lome on ASKY, already resumed
- Kigali on RwandaAir, resuming Sept 14
- Nairobi on Kenya Airways, resuming Sept 17
- Beirut on MEA, resuming Sept 10
What’s Open in Ghana
Many things are open in Ghana, but the use of masks in all public spaces is mandatory. There is no curfew currently in place. Here’s what’s open:
- Restaurants and cafes with social distancing
- Weddings and other gatherings are limited to 100 people
- National tourist sites and attractions
Ghana receives almost 1 million tourists every year flocking to its beach resorts, waterfalls, caves, mountains, lakes and heritage tourism festivals.
Sources: gcaa.com.gh / ghs-hfr.org /
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Originally posted September 3, 2020 with updates
Tamara Ford
Sunday 18th of October 2020
Hey Kashlee,
I wanted to know if travelers are required to have a transit visa if they have a layover and need to wait for the next connected flight in Ivory Coast? I hold a Canadian passport. Thanks for your time...just having a bit of anxiety around this.
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 18th of October 2020
Hi Tamara, I really don't have an answer for you :( It would be best to ask your airline and the airport if you can
Tamara Ford
Saturday 17th of October 2020
Hello Kashlee, I booked my flight from Canada to Ghana, however, to leave Accra I would transit to Ivory Coast, Belgium, London, and then back to Canada. I have no idea why this route is so long, but I applied for the Ghanaian visa and I'm not sure if i'm required to present a transit visa in ivory coast or Belgium. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 17th of October 2020
Hello - that is a long route! I am sorry, I don't have enough info to advise if you need anything for the ivory coast stop :(
Aaron
Monday 7th of September 2020
That's great news Kashlee and Trevor, thanks for the perpetual updates, the country has also upscaled its efforts into curbing and keeping at bay the coronavirus. We look forward to the EU bloc reciprocating this, some of us without work contracts from a krankenhaus yet, but are supposed to be studying German as I write this prior to starting a facharzt (specialization) training and pretty much live life have been deemed non-essential. Any idea when Ghana will be on the list? I heard something about a list this week? Thanks
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 7th of September 2020
Hello - We have not heard to Germany (or the EU) specifically reopening to more third-party countries, but anything can happen!