Travel Guidelines

Passport & Visa Requirements

Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after our travel dates (through June 2026). If you need to renew your passport, please do so as soon as possible.

Yes. You can obtain a visa by applying online through the Embassy of Ghana based in Washington, D.C.
https://ghanaembassydc.org/visa/

  • There are two visa types: Single-Entry ($60) and Multiple-Entry ($100)
  • We recommend applying for a Multiple-Entry visa. A multiple entry visa is valid for multiple years and multiple visits to Ghana. You can apply for the multiple-entry visa beginning in June 2025.
  • If you prefer a Single-Entry visa, you can apply beginning in October 2025.
  • For any visa related questions, please text our WhatsApp groupchat.

A Potential Alternative: 

During the month of December, U.S. citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The process is straightforward but expect it to take 30-60 minutes after landing.

NOTE: For the past 3 years, the Ghana Tourism Authority has instated a visa-on-arrival policy each December. The Ghana Tourism Authority has not yet announced this temporary visa policy for 2025, they typically do so around the beginning of December. We expect the same policy to be implemented this year and will send out an update once it is announced. We recommend obtaining your visa beforehand.

Flights

United and Delta offer direct flights from the United States to Accra (ACC – Kotoka International Airport):

  • United flies direct from Washington Dulles (IAD)
  • Delta flies direct from New York (JFK) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
  • Other options include connecting flights through Europe on airlines like British Airways, KLM, and Turkish Airlines.
  • We recommend using only Google Flights to search for flight tickets / schedules.
  • The typical price range for a roundtrip economy flight is $1,000 – $1,400.
  • Due to price hikes and increased tourism to Ghana in December, we recommend buying flight tickets early.

Accra is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During our December wedding:

  • Pacific Time: +8 hours (when it’s 12pm in California, it’s 8pm in Accra, Ghana)
  • Eastern Time: +5 hours (when it’s 12pm in NYC, it’s 5pm in Accra, Ghana)
Health & Safety

Yes. You must show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter Ghana. We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic about other recommended vaccinations and medications.

Consider bringing:

  • Anti-malarial medication (please consult your doctor to determine if you’ll need this)
  • Imodium
  • Any prescription medications you take regularly
  • Insect repellent (we will provide insect repellent on arrival)
Hotels & Accommodation

Please check back on March 19, 2025 for our hotel recommendations and booking information.

We’ve secured room blocks at three different hotels with special rates for our wedding guests. Our ceremony and reception will be held at Kempinski Gold Coast Accra, but you’re welcome to choose any option that best suits your preferences and budget.

The booking window is open from April 1, 2025 – October 11, 2025.

Kempinski Gold Coast Accra ★ Wedding Venue

https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-gold-coast-city

  • Rates:
    • Superior Room (single occupancy): $415/night
    • Superior Room (double occupancy): $465/night
  • Includes: breakfast, wifi, free airport transfers
  • Booking Process: the booking link will be posted here by April 25, 2025.

La Villa Boutique Hotel

https://lavillaghana.com/

  • Rates:
    • Standard Room (double occupancy): $165/night
    • Executive Room (double occupancy): $195/night
    • 1-bedroom Apartment-style Room: $215/night
    • 2-bedroom Apartment- style Room: $275/night
  • Includes: breakfast, wifi, free airport transfers
  • Booking Process: download and complete the form and email to: salesandmarketing2@lavillaghana.com
  • click here to download the booking form

Movenpick Ambassador Hotel

https://movenpick.accor.com

  • Rates:
    • Standard King (single occupancy): $270/night
    • Standard King (double occupancy): $305/night
    • Deluxe King (single occupancy): $295/night
    • Deluxe King (double occupancy): $330/night
  • Includes: breakfast, wifi, free airport transfers
  • Booking Process: download and complete the form and email to: hotel.accra.reservations@movenpick.com
  • click here to download the booking form

Please copy us on any emails. Our email address is: ariandbawa@gmail.com

That’s fine! Airbnb could be a better (and cheaper) option, especially if you’d like to extend your stay in Ghana. If you choose to book an Airbnb, we recommend places in the following neighborhoods in Accra:

  • Cantonments
  • Labone
  • Osu
  • North Ridge
  • Airport Residential
  • East Legon

If you find an Airbnb that you like but you’re unsure about the location, please text us in the WhatsApp groupchat.

Currency & Getting Around the City
The currency in Ghana is called the Ghanaian Cedi, pronounced (see-dee). The current exchange rate is 1 USD = 15 Ghanaian Cedis. For example, if you have $20 USD, that would be equal to 300 Cedis.

Yes, you should bring cash for your trip to Ghana. You’ll need cash for the following:

  • Uber rides
  • Buying items from local markets and artists
  • Street food/vendors
  • Events/attractions

For hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, bars/clubs, etc. you can pay by credit/debit card. Please be sure to notify your bank about your travel dates.

You can exchange USD for Ghanaian Cedis at the airport, once you arrive in Ghana.

If you prefer to exchange money before the trip, you can do so through your bank.

You can use Uber to get around Accra. Please note that Uber rides are paid in cash. Average costs per ride are $1 – $6 USD, which is equivalent to 15 – 90 Cedis.

Once you arrive in Ghana, you may need to refresh your Uber app so that the option to pay in cash appears.

NOTE: For guests staying in recommended hotels, we will provide transportation to/from wedding weekend events. 

Also, you’re welcome to walk around and explore! The best walkable neighborhoods are:

  • Cantonments
  • Labone
  • Osu
  • North Ridge
  • Airport Residential
  • East Legon
Phone & Internet Access
Yes. Most U.S. carriers offer international day passes that give you access to your current data plan for $5-$10 per day while in Ghana. These plans allow you to keep your U.S. number active and use your regular data, text, and calling features. Contact your service provider before traveling to activate these international features.
Weather & What to Pack
December in Accra is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 75-90°F. It’s also harmattan season, which means occasional dusty/hazy conditions. Pack accordingly:
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Lip balm and moisturizer for the dry conditions
  • Any formal attire for wedding events
  • Swimwear (if you plan to use hotel pools or visit beaches)