Reality Brief: Accra
What to know about Accra, gathered from AfriPilot's sourced information: alerts, rules, addresses and useful places. Nothing is added without a source.
Region: Greater Accra RegionGathered from 11 sources checked on October 2, 2026.
Current alerts
No official alerts recorded for this region.
Alerts checked on October 2, 2026 against the sources cited.
Essentials before you arrive
A visa is compulsory and must be obtained before arrival, or entry will be refused. French nationals apply by appointment at the Ghanaian embassy in Paris; British nationals online through the High Commission (10 to 15 days, express service of about 3 days in London).
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, entry and residenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Ghana travel advice: entry requirementsGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: GhanaGuide: Entry and residence
The entry stamp allows a stay of up to 60 days, extendable to 3 months at the immigration service in Accra (Kanda Crescent). Beyond 3 months, a residence permit is required.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, entry and residenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Ghana travel advice: entry requirementsGuide: Entry and residence
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, including in the visa application.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Ghana travel advice: entry requirementsCDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Travelers' Health: GhanaGuide: Entry and residence
Malaria is present. See a doctor before departure about prevention and vaccines; any fever requires prompt medical attention.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, healthCDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Travelers' Health: GhanaGuide: Health
General emergency number: 999 or 112. According to France: police 191, ambulance 192, fire 193; Canada swaps ambulance (193) and fire (192). Check locally.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contactsGOV.UK (FCDO), Ghana travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: GhanaGuide: Health
The currency is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Cedis cannot be taken out: spend them or convert them back before leaving.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: GhanaGuide: Money and banking
- Passport: France
A French licence is not accepted: you need an international driving permit, obtained before departure (on the ANTS website in France).
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful informationGuide: Getting around
Living in Accra
In Accra, avoid working-class districts (Nima, Jamestown) on foot or by taxi at night; bag-snatching is frequent in Osu, Cantonments, Ridge, Airport Residential and East Legon. At the airport, accept only uniformed, badged porters and official or app-booked taxis.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
Robberies and rapes have been reported on Kokrobite beach, even by day: stay near hotels and restaurants and avoid isolated beaches, especially if you are a woman alone.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
Despite the warm welcome, theft, carjacking, bag-snatching and burglary are frequent, including in residential areas and during holidays. Kidnappings for ransom have occurred in major cities: secure accommodation (guard, bars), no walking at night.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
Accidents are rising on the Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Takoradi roads: avoid "trotro" minibuses and any road travel at night outside cities. At roadblocks, slow down, switch on the interior light at night and stay calm.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful informationFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, safetyGuide: Safety and emergencies
Same-sex relations are a criminal offence. A law passed on 28 February 2024 toughens penalties; challenged in the Supreme Court, it is not yet in force, but homophobic acts are increasing.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful informationGOV.UK (FCDO), Ghana travel advice: safety and securityGuide: Daily life and local laws
Smoking is banned in public places outside designated areas, and strongly frowned upon.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful informationGuide: Daily life and local laws
Field experience
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Pharmacies, clinics and hospitals
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): pharmacies (261), clinics (66), hospitals (66). Locate those near your home in the first days and check opening hours and on-call services locally.
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Where to shop for food
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): markets (24), supermarkets (62). Compare a few basic prices between market and supermarket before settling into habits.
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Banks, cash machines and exchange
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): banks (427), cash machines (143), currency exchange (59), money transfer (5). Withdraw and change money at these official places, preferably during the day, never in the street.
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A shop for your SIM card
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): phone and internet (93). Go with your passport: SIM registration is often mandatory.
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A furnished flat for the first weeks
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): furnished apartments (14). A furnished flat gives you time to visit several neighbourhoods before signing a lease.
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A coworking space as a fallback
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): coworking (2). Useful for remote work when the connection or power fails at home.
- Tip
Consulates in the city
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): consulates (11). Note the address of your country's consulate or the nearest embassy.
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Emergencies 999 or 112; police 191; ambulance 192; fire 193 (according to France).
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contactsGOV.UK (FCDO), Ghana travel advice: getting help· Oct 2, 2026
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Recommended hospital for first aid.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
37 Military Hospital
Recommended hospital for first aid.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Nyaho Clinic
Recommended hospital for first aid.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Lister Hospital
Recommended hospital for first aid.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Trust Hospital
Recommended hospital for first aid.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Ghana Immigration Service
Visa extensions.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of France in Ghana
Passport: FranceFrench embassy and consular section in Accra.
4th Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra+233 30 221 45 50France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Ghana, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026