For many travellers coming from the UK, Accra is the first point of contact with Ghana.
Whether you're visiting family, travelling for business, attending an event or starting a wider Ghana trip, your experience at the airport can set the tone for the rest of your journey.
Instead of thinking only about the flight itself, it helps to prepare for everything that happens after the aircraft lands.
This guide walks through the arrival process and the practical decisions worth making before leaving the UK.
Accra is Ghana's capital and the main starting point for many international visitors.
The official Ghana Tourism Authority highlights attractions across Greater Accra including the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, National Museum, Independence Square, Osu and Jamestown.
That means you may want to spend time in Accra rather than immediately treating the city as a transit point.
If your final destination is another part of Ghana, however, Accra can simply be the first stage of your journey.
Your preparation should begin before reaching the airport.
Check your:
For British citizen passport holders, current GOV.UK guidance says the passport must have an expiry date at least six months after arrival in Ghana. It also states that a visa is required for visits and that a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.
Requirements can vary according to nationality, so don't automatically apply British-citizen requirements to every traveller.
Your arrival will normally involve several stages.
After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for arrivals and immigration.
Don't rush.
Keep your passport and other required documents accessible.
You'll need to complete the applicable immigration process.
Make sure your documentation is ready before reaching the officer.
After immigration, follow the baggage reclaim signs.
Check the screens to identify your carousel.
Before leaving the baggage area, make sure you have everything.
If you have goods that need to be declared, follow the appropriate customs procedure.
Ghana currently has customs rules concerning items brought into and taken out of the country, including rules relating to currency.
One of the easiest ways to reduce arrival stress is to know exactly how you're getting from the airport to your accommodation.
Your options may include:
If someone is collecting you, agree on the meeting point before departure.
Don't simply say:
"I'll call you when I land."
Your phone may not connect immediately, the flight may be delayed, or the airport may be busy.
Instead, agree on a backup plan.
Late arrival isn't necessarily a problem, but it requires more preparation.
Before leaving the UK, confirm:
Save the information offline.
If your accommodation is expecting you, let them know your flight details.
That depends on your trip.
Staying in Accra can make sense if:
Accra also provides access to attractions such as Makola Market, Legon Botanical Gardens, Jamestown and other Greater Accra destinations.
This is important.
If you're travelling to Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi or another destination, don't treat your international flight as the entire journey.
Your actual itinerary could look like:
UK → Accra → Hotel → Final destination
You should therefore consider the time needed after landing before arranging your onward journey.
If you have a separate domestic flight, allow enough time between the international arrival and the next flight.
Don't overload your first day.
After a long international journey, you may simply want to:
If you're visiting Ghana for several weeks, there is no reason to try to see everything immediately.
Don't put everything into your checked suitcase.
Keep important items with you, including:
A digital backup can also be useful.
Travel information can change.
For current Ghana entry requirements, check the official GOV.UK Ghana entry requirements.
For attractions and destination ideas, Visit Ghana is the official tourism platform of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Once your dates, documents and arrival arrangements are clear, you can compare available flights through Hi5Tickets.
The cheapest flight isn't always the most convenient.
Look at the complete itinerary, including departure time, baggage, connections and arrival time.
International travellers typically arrive through Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
Follow the airport's arrival process, complete immigration, collect your baggage and clear customs before meeting your transport.
If possible, yes. Knowing exactly how you will reach your accommodation can make your first arrival considerably easier.
Yes. Accra can be the starting point for onward travel to other parts of Ghana.
Current GOV.UK guidance states that British citizen passport holders need a visa to visit Ghana.
Planning your arrival in Accra? Get your documents and transport sorted, then compare UK-to-Ghana flight options with Hi5Tickets.
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