Successfully receiving your Visa on Arrival at Kotoka International Airport is just the beginning of your Ghana journey. The first 48 hours after landing are critical for setting yourself up for a smooth, compliant, and enjoyable stay. Understanding what needs to be done immediately versus what can wait helps you transition seamlessly into life in Ghana, whether you’re staying for a few weeks or several months.
Many travelers focus so intently on obtaining their visa that they overlook the important post-arrival steps that ensure legal compliance and practical comfort. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to accomplish in your first two days in Ghana.
Immediate Steps at Kotoka International Airport
Once you clear immigration with your newly issued Visa on Arrival, several important tasks await before you leave the airport terminal.
Verify Your Visa Stamp: Before leaving the immigration area, carefully examine your passport to confirm your visa was stamped correctly. Check that the entry date is accurate, the visa duration is properly noted (typically 30 days for Visa on Arrival), and there are no obvious errors in the stamp or handwritten information. If you notice any discrepancies, address them immediately with the immigration officer before proceeding further into the airport.
Collect Your Baggage Efficiently: Ghana’s baggage claim can be busy and somewhat chaotic, especially during peak arrival times. Stay alert for your luggage on the carousel and verify all bags arrived intact. If luggage is damaged or missing, file a report with your airline’s baggage services desk before leaving the airport.
Currency Exchange at the Airport: While airport exchange rates are typically less favorable than banks or forex bureaus in the city, exchanging a small amount of currency provides immediate cash for taxi fare, tips, and initial purchases. Ghana’s currency is the Cedi (GHS), and having local currency immediately prevents complications with vendors.
Getting a Local SIM Card
One of the most valuable things you can do within your first hours in Ghana is secure a local SIM card. Mobile connectivity is essential for navigation, communication with your host or contacts, accessing mobile money services, and handling emergencies.
Major mobile network providers in Ghana include MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo. All maintain kiosks or shops at Kotoka International Airport. MTN typically offers the widest coverage across Ghana, making it the preferred choice for many visitors who plan to travel beyond Accra.
To purchase a SIM card, you’ll need your passport for registration, as Ghana requires all SIM cards to be registered to users. The registration process takes only a few minutes.
Once your SIM card is active, save important local numbers including your accommodation, Diaspora Affairs Ghana support line (+233 20 698 8426), and emergency services. Share your new Ghana phone number with family members back home and anyone expecting to meet you during your stay.
Secure Transportation to Your Accommodation
Getting from the airport to your accommodation safely is a priority. Several transportation options exist, each with different advantages and considerations.
Pre-Arranged Airport Pickup: If Diaspora Affairs Ghana or your accommodation arranged pickup, look for your driver in the arrivals area. They should have a sign with your name or your booking reference. Verify their identity before getting into any vehicle, and confirm they know your destination address.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and Bolt operate in Accra and provide reliable, metered transportation from the airport. These services offer transparent pricing and digital receipts, though you’ll need mobile data to request rides.
Official Airport Taxis: Licensed airport taxis operate from designated taxi ranks outside the terminal. While convenient, confirm fares before entering the vehicle.
Avoid Unlicensed Taxis: Politely decline offers from individuals approaching you inside the terminal claiming to offer taxi services. Stick to official transportation options.
Check Into Your Accommodation and Verify Registration
Upon arrival at your hotel, guesthouse, or rental property, complete your check-in process and ensure the accommodation registers your stay with Ghana Immigration Service as required by law. Legitimate accommodations handle this registration automatically, but it’s worth confirming this happens.
Accommodation Registration Requirements: Ghana requires all hotels and accommodations to register foreign guests with immigration authorities. This process typically involves the accommodation photocopying your passport and visa page. They should provide you with a registration confirmation or receipt. Keep this document safe, as you may need it if extending your visa or if immigration officials conduct routine checks.
If you’re staying with friends or family rather than commercial accommodation, you may need to handle registration differently. In such cases, contact Diaspora Affairs Ghana for guidance on properly registering your address with immigration authorities.
Safety Check Your Room: Once settled in your room, verify that locks work properly, windows secure, and any safe or security features function correctly. Note the location of emergency exits and store valuable items like passports, extra cash, and important documents in the room safe if available.
Understand Your Accommodation’s Services: Familiarize yourself with breakfast times if included, WiFi passwords, checkout procedures, and any house rules. Ask about laundry services, restaurant recommendations nearby, and transportation options for getting around the area.
Essential First Day Tasks
Rest and Adjust: International travel is exhausting, and Ghana’s tropical climate can be draining if you’re not accustomed to heat and humidity. Give yourself permission to rest, hydrate frequently, and adjust to the time zone. Jet lag and travel fatigue can impair judgment and make simple tasks more difficult.
Locate Nearby Essentials: Take a brief walk around your accommodation area during daylight hours to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood. Identify the locations of ATMs, pharmacies, grocery stores or markets, restaurants or food vendors, and police stations or security posts.
Understand Local Transportation: Learn about transportation options in your area. Ask accommodation staff about reliable taxi companies, nearby tro-tro (minibus) routes if you’re comfortable with public transportation, or how to use ride-hailing apps effectively in your neighborhood.
Set Up Mobile Money: Ghana operates extensively on mobile money services, particularly MTN Mobile Money. Many local vendors, restaurants, and services accept mobile money payments. Visit an MTN service center to register for mobile money on your new SIM card. You’ll need your passport and your Ghana phone number.
Second Day Priorities
Find Reliable Banking Services: If you’re staying in Ghana for an extended period, locate reputable banks or forex bureaus near your accommodation. Banks like Ecobank, Stanbic Bank, and Fidelity Bank have widespread ATM networks. Exchange rates at banks and forex bureaus in the city are typically better than airport rates.
When using ATMs, choose machines inside bank buildings or well-lit, secure locations. Notify your home bank before traveling that you’ll be making withdrawals in Ghana to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious activity.
Understand Your Visa Duration: Your Visa on Arrival is typically valid for 30 days from your entry date. Calculate exactly when your visa expires and mark this date prominently in your phone calendar with reminders set for several days before expiration. Missing your visa expiration can result in fines, complications, and difficulty departing Ghana.
If you know you’ll need to stay beyond 30 days, start planning your visa extension immediately rather than waiting until the last week. Extension applications require time to process.
Connect with Local Resources: Contact Diaspora Affairs Ghana to confirm they’re aware of your arrival and to discuss any upcoming needs such as visa extensions, local orientation, or connections to diaspora community activities.
Join online communities or social media groups for diaspora members in Ghana. These communities share valuable information about navigating daily life, upcoming cultural events, and tips for new arrivals.
Healthcare and Safety Considerations
Your first 48 hours should also include attention to health and safety matters.
Locate Medical Facilities: Identify the nearest quality hospital or clinic to your accommodation. In Accra, facilities like 37 Military Hospital, Nyaho Medical Centre, and Greater Accra Regional Hospital offer good standards of care. Save the addresses and phone numbers in your phone.
If you take prescription medications, ensure you have adequate supplies and understand where you could obtain refills if needed. Ghana’s pharmacies are well-stocked, but specific medications may require prescriptions from local doctors.
Water and Food Safety: Drink only bottled or purified water. Most accommodations provide bottled water but verify before drinking from taps. When eating out, choose busy restaurants where food turnover is high, and start with cooked foods rather than raw salads or street food until your system adjusts.
Protect Against Mosquitoes: Ghana is a malaria-risk country. Use insect repellent containing DEET, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Sleep under mosquito nets if your accommodation provides them. If you’re taking malaria prophylaxis medication, maintain your dosing schedule consistently.
Stay Security Conscious: Ghana is generally safe for visitors, but petty theft and pickpocketing occur in busy areas. Keep valuables out of sight, don’t display expensive jewelry or electronics obviously, use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations, and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Understanding Local Customs and Etiquette
Demonstrating cultural awareness during your first days in Ghana helps you build positive relationships and shows respect for your host country.
Greetings Matter: Ghanaians place great importance on greetings. Always greet people before making requests or starting transactions. A simple “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” goes a long way. Handshakes are common, and it’s considered polite to ask “How are you?” even in brief interactions.
Dress Modestly: While Ghana is relatively liberal in dress codes, particularly in Accra, modest dress shows respect and helps you blend in. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting local neighbourhoods, markets, or rural areas. Business casual is appropriate for most situations.
Photography Etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing people. Some Ghanaians may decline entirely. Government buildings, military installations, and airports prohibit photography. Respect these restrictions to avoid complications with authorities.
Bargaining Culture: At markets and with some vendors, bargaining is expected. However, do so respectfully and recognize when prices are fixed. In shops with posted prices or at larger establishments, bargaining is typically not appropriate.
Setting Up for Longer Stays
If your visit to Ghana extends beyond a brief vacation, your first 48 hours should include thinking ahead to longer-term needs.
Find a Reliable Laundry Service: Ask accommodation staff or neighbours about local laundry services or laundromats. Many neighbourhoods have affordable wash-and-iron services.
Establish a Routine: Creating structure helps you settle in psychologically. Establish regular mealtimes, sleep schedules, and daily routines that work with Ghana’s rhythm. This stability helps combat homesickness and makes your stay feel less like perpetual tourism and more like temporary residence.
Plan Ahead for Visa Extensions: If you know you’ll stay beyond your initial 30-day visa, begin gathering documents needed for extension applications. Required items typically include proof of accommodation, financial means, return flight tickets showing your extended departure date, and valid reasons for extension. Diaspora Affairs Ghana assists with extension applications and can advise on timing and documentation.
Common First-48-Hour Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others’ experiences helps you sidestep common pitfalls.
Don’t Exchange All Your Money at Once: Exchange rates fluctuate, and keeping some US dollars allows you to take advantage of better rates later or at different locations.
Don’t Ignore Jet Lag: Pushing through exhaustion leads to poor decisions, increased vulnerability to illness, and diminished enjoyment of your trip. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Don’t Lose Important Documents: Create digital copies of your passport, visa page, yellow fever certificate, travel insurance, and other critical documents. Email these copies to yourself and store them in cloud storage accessible from any device.
Don’t Forget to Check In with Home: Let family and friends know you arrived safely and provide them with your local contact information, accommodation details, and new Ghana phone number.
Building Your Ghana Network
Your first days offer excellent opportunities to begin building relationships and connections that will enrich your entire stay.
Connect with Other Diaspora Members: Attend diaspora community events, join local meetup groups, or participate in activities organized through Diaspora Affairs Ghana. These connections provide social support, practical advice, and potential friendships.
Be Friendly with Accommodation Staff: The people working at your hotel or guesthouse are valuable resources for local information, recommendations, and assistance. Treat them respectfully and ask their advice about navigating the area.
Meet Your Neighbors: If you’re staying in a residential area rather than a hotel, introduce yourself to neighbors. Most Ghanaians are welcoming and friendly toward visitors, and good relationships with neighbors enhance both your security and your cultural experience.
Get Ongoing Support
Your first 48 hours are just the beginning of your Ghana experience. Having reliable support throughout your stay ensures you can handle whatever situations arise.
Diaspora Affairs Ghana provides comprehensive post-arrival support including visa extension assistance, cultural orientation programs, community connections, emergency support services, and ongoing guidance throughout your stay. Our experienced team understands the challenges new arrivals face and offers practical solutions to common problems.
Whether you encounter visa questions, need help navigating government services, want to connect with the diaspora community, or simply need advice about daily life in Ghana, our team is available to assist you every step of the way.
Need urgent Visa on Arrival support?Â
Visit our Ghana Visa on Arrival page or contact us directly for immediate assistance.
