Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling to Ghana.
Advice for travellers to all destinations
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
All travellers
All Travellers should ensure that they are are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some travellers
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
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Risk of Malaria in Ghana
Malaria is spread by the plasmodium parasite passed to humans from the bite of an anopheles mosquito. Malaria is a serious illness with symptoms include fever, chills, sweats and flu like symptoms. In severe cases, malaria can be fatal. There isn’t currently a vaccine available for our travellers, although there are other ways to protect yourself.
Malaria Prevention
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellant such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
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Yellow Fever Risk and Certification Requirements for Ghana
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter Ghana.
Additional Travel Health Risks for Ghana
Heat and Humidity
Some people say that Ghana only has two types of weather –wet and dry. Ghana is a tropical country with its highest temperatures generally in the month of March. Make sure you take adequate sun protection measures such as staying hydrated, applying high SPF factor sunscreen, wearing a hat and staying out of the sun for extended periods of time to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.
Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Dengue Fever and Malaria both spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for dengue fever and malaria are listed above.
Food and Drink
From soups to stews and curries, Ghanaian food can be very exciting but be mindful of things washed in tap water, specifically things like salads as the tap water is not considered safe for consumption. It is disrespectful in this culture to eat or offer food with your left hand and make sure you return empty glass bottles to the place you bought the drink from – or the costs are incurred by the seller. Don’t be surprised if you are asked for a bottle deposit if you plan to take your drink with you. Its just in case you don’t bring the bottle back.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Ghana is not considered safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available for sale.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have travel health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while abroad.
Personal Safety
If you plan to hire a vehicle or to take part in adventure sports such as trekking water sports, safaris or other activities then always think of your own safety first.
Travellers Diarrhoea
Avoid Travellers Diarrhoea and use alcohol gel, wash your hands regularly and monitor what you are putting in your mouth.