Your first trip to Accra can be exciting, especially if you're travelling from the UK to visit family, attend an event, explore Ghana or experience the city for the first time.

But international travel becomes much easier when you know what to expect.

Before you leave the UK, you'll want to check your travel documents, understand the entry requirements that apply to you, prepare for your flight and think about what you'll do when you arrive.

Here's a practical starting guide for first-time visitors to Accra.

Start With Your Travel Documents

Travel requirements depend on your nationality, passport and circumstances.

If you're travelling on a full British citizen passport, current UK government guidance says your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive in Ghana.

British citizens also need a visa to visit Ghana, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.

Requirements can change, so don't rely on an old visa or vaccination checklist.

Before travelling, check the latest Ghana entry requirements on GOV.UK.

Don't Leave Travel Checks Until the Last Minute

Create a simple document checklist before your trip.

If you're unsure about a requirement, check the relevant official authority rather than relying on social media posts or outdated travel advice.

Plan Your Journey to Accra

Before booking your flight, think about the kind of journey you want.

Would you prefer:

• A direct itinerary?
• A connecting itinerary?
• The shortest total journey?
• A lower fare?
• More baggage?
• A particular departure time?

There is no single best answer.

Your priorities depend on your trip.

If you're travelling for a family event on a fixed date, convenience may matter more than saving a small amount on the ticket.

If your dates are flexible, you may want to compare more options.

You can search available flights with Hi5Tickets before deciding which itinerary works best for you.

 What Should You Pack?

Your packing list will depend on your trip, but your hand luggage deserves particular attention.

Keep important items accessible:

• Passport
• Visa/travel documents
• Yellow fever certificate
• Phone
• Charger
• Essential medication
• Booking details
• Accommodation information
• Important contact numbers

Don't put everything important into your checked baggage.

 Think About the Weather and Clothing

Accra has a different climate from the UK, so think about what you'll need after landing.

Light, comfortable clothing can be useful, while a light layer can still be useful during air-conditioned travel.

If you're travelling for a wedding, family event or business meeting, pack those specific clothes separately so they're easy to access.

What Happens When You Arrive in Accra?

International arrivals generally go through the airport's arrival procedures before leaving the airport.

Your journey may look like:

Aircraft landing → Immigration → Baggage collection → Customs → Airport exit → Transport

Don't plan an immediate appointment based only on your aircraft's scheduled landing time.

Allow some flexibility for arrival procedures and baggage collection.

How Should You Arrange Airport Transport?

It's a good idea to know how you'll leave the airport before you arrive. 

If a family member or friend is collecting you, agree on:

• Where to meet
• Approximate arrival time
• How you'll recognise each other
• A backup contact method

If you're staying at a hotel or accommodation, keep the address and contact information accessible.

Visit Ghana's official tourism information also provides general travel information for visitors, including communication, electricity and other practical considerations.

Getting Around Accra

Your transport needs will depend on where you're staying and what you plan to do.

If you're visiting for the first time, plan your major journeys before leaving the airport.

Useful information to have includes:

• Accommodation address
• Local contact
• Airport transfer details
• Important destinations
• Emergency contacts

Don't rely entirely on having internet access at every moment.

Keep important information available offline as well.

What Is There to See in Accra?

Accra isn't only an airport stop.

The official Ghana Tourism Authority highlights attractions and areas including the National Museum, National Theatre, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Makola Market, Jamestown and Osu.

If you're visiting for the first time, you could build your trip around a mixture of:

History

Explore places connected with Ghana's history and independence.

Culture

Visit museums and cultural attractions.

Food

Try local dishes and explore Accra's restaurant scene.

Markets

Experience the city's busy shopping areas.

Coast

Explore parts of the coastline and nearby attractions.

Money and Everyday Spending

Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi (GHS).

Before your trip, think about how you'll handle your spending.

You may want to consider:

• Bank cards
• Cash
• Currency exchange
• Emergency funds
• Transaction fees

Avoid carrying more cash than you reasonably need.

The official Visit Ghana travel information also provides practical information for travellers regarding payments and currency.

Electricity and Chargers

If you're travelling from the UK, remember that Ghana's electrical supply and sockets may differ from what you're accustomed to.

Visit Ghana's travel information states that electrical appliances should operate on 220/240 volts and notes that outlets can vary.

A suitable travel adaptor is therefore worth packing.

Staying Connected

Your phone can be one of the most useful items during an international trip.

Before travelling, check:

• International roaming
• Your mobile provider's Ghana options
• Wi-Fi availability
• Whether you need a local SIM
• Access to important contact numbers

Keep your accommodation details saved offline as well.

Travel Insurance Is Worth Considering

International travel can involve unexpected costs.

Before leaving, consider whether your travel insurance provides appropriate coverage for your itinerary and activities.

The UK government's current Ghana travel advice recommends getting appropriate travel insurance and checking that it covers your planned activities and emergency expenses.

Read the policy conditions rather than assuming every situation is covered.

A First-Time Accra Checklist

Before booking

• Decide your dates
• Compare flight options
• Check baggage
• Review total journey time
• Check entry requirements

Before leaving the UK

• Check passport validity
• Arrange the required visa
• Confirm yellow fever requirements
• Organise travel insurance
• Save accommodation details
• Arrange airport transport
• Prepare your hand luggage
• Check your mobile/roaming arrangements

Before leaving the airport in Accra

• Complete arrival procedures
• Collect your baggage
• Confirm your transport
• Keep your accommodation details available
• Contact your pickup person if necessary

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Ghana?

Yes. Current UK government guidance says British citizens need a visa to visit Ghana. Passport validity and yellow fever requirements also apply. Check the latest official guidance before travelling.

What airport do I arrive at in Accra?

International travellers visiting Accra generally arrive at Kotoka International Airport.

Should I arrange airport transport before arriving?

For a first trip, having a clear plan for leaving the airport can make the arrival less stressful. Arrange a pickup or know how you'll reach your accommodation before travelling.

What currency is used in Ghana?

The currency is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS).

What should I keep in my hand luggage?

Keep your passport, travel documents, phone, charger, essential medication, accommodation details and other important items accessible.

What should I see in Accra?

Popular attractions highlighted by the Ghana Tourism Authority include the National Museum, Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Makola Market and Jamestown.

 

Ready for Your First Trip to Accra?

A first international trip can feel complicated when you're trying to organise everything at once.

Break it into manageable steps:

Documents → Flight → Baggage → Arrival → Transport → Accommodation → Exploring

Once your dates are confirmed, search your London-to-Accra flight options with Hi5Tickets.

If you need assistance with the booking process, the Hi5Tickets FAQ provides additional information.

And before travelling, always check the latest official Ghana requirements that apply to your passport and circumstances.