High riskAfrica · Western AfricaGhana Travel Health Guide
High risk
Ghana carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Ghana. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Ghana. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
November to March is the dry season, with the dusty harmattan winds in December and January. The rainy season (April to October in the south) brings peak malaria transmission.
Travel health in Ghana
Ghana is welcoming and increasingly popular, and it requires the full West Africa preparation. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry and checked on arrival. Malaria is present everywhere year-round, including Accra, and prophylaxis is essential for every traveller. The northern regions sit in the meningitis belt, where meningococcal vaccination is recommended for dry-season travel. Typhoid, hepatitis A and a robust travelers' diarrhea plan are standard, and cholera outbreaks occur in the rainy season. Rabies is present in dogs, so animal contact deserves care.
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccinations are current before traveling to Ghana.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling to Ghana.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Ghana age 1 year and older.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to Ghana.
Measles
Make sure you are fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to Ghana.
Polio
Polio vaccination is important for Ghana travel. Adults may need a booster; unvaccinated travelers need full series.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination recommended for most travelers to Ghana, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with locals.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is both recommended and required for entry to Ghana for all travelers 9 months and older.
Chikungunya
Vaccination not generally recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites to avoid chikungunya.
Cholera
Cholera vaccination may be considered if traveling to certain regions. Focus on safe food and water practices.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal vaccination recommended if traveling to meningitis belt areas during dry season (December-June).
Monkeypox
Monkeypox vaccination recommended for travelers who may engage in certain high-risk sexual activities.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccination before travel, especially if you'll be around animals or in rural areas.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists throughout Ghana. Take prescription antimalarial medication as recommended by your doctor.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas; strict hand hygiene and food precautions advised.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk exists throughout this destination. Antimalarial medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout Ghana. Take prescription antimalarial medication as recommended by your doctor.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
Year-round, highest May to October
Malaria
All areas including Accra and Kumasi. Prophylaxis for every traveller plus nets and repellent.
Peak
December to June
Meningococcal meningitis
Northern regions in the meningitis belt. Vaccination (MenACWY) for dry-season travel to the north.
Peak
Rainy season
Cholera
Outbreaks in Accra and coastal areas. Strict water and food precautions; the oral cholera vaccine can be considered for some travellers.
Water & food safety
Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water and sealed sachet water (“pure water”) are sold everywhere; choose known brands. Avoid ice outside good hotels and restaurants in Accra.
Food
Freshly cooked jollof, banku, kenkey and grilled fish from busy establishments are generally safe when hot. Avoid salads, unpeeled fruit, and food that has been sitting out. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination are the backstop.
Medications
Pharmacies in Accra and Kumasi stock common medications and antimalarials, but counterfeit drugs are a recognized problem. Bring the full trip's supply of prophylaxis and a standby antibiotic from home.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Accra has a few private hospitals of reasonable standard (Nyaho Medical Centre, Lister Hospital) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for emergencies. Care outside Accra and Kumasi is basic. Serious illness usually means evacuation to Europe or South Africa.
Travel insurance
Essential, with medical evacuation cover.
Emergency numbers
Police
191
Medical / Ambulance
193
Fire
192
U.S. Embassy
+233-30-274-1000
Ghana travel health FAQ
Is the yellow fever vaccine required for Ghana?▼
Yes, for all travellers aged 9 months and over, regardless of where you are arriving from. You must show the International Certificate of Vaccination on arrival, and it must be dated at least 10 days before entry. Travellers without it can be refused entry or vaccinated at the airport.
Do I need malaria pills for Accra?▼
Yes. Malaria is transmitted year-round throughout Ghana, including Accra and Kumasi. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine are used; your pharmacist will choose based on your health and trip length. Start before arrival and complete the course after you leave.
Which vaccines do I need for Ghana?▼
Yellow fever (required), routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, and hepatitis B for most travellers. Meningococcal vaccine for the north in the dry season, rabies for rural travel or animal contact, and the CDC recommends a one-time adult polio booster for Ghana. Cholera vaccine can be considered during outbreaks.
More country guides
BeninHigh riskBenin carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Benin. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Burkina FasoHigh riskBurkina Faso carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Burkina Faso. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Cape VerdeLow riskCape Verde carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Ghana trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Ghana — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Ghana · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.