The Ultimate Checklist for British Visitors
Everything you need, nothing you don’t — with UK-specific tips throughout
Packing for Ghana is easier than most people expect — and easier than most packing guides make it sound. Ghana is a tropical country near the equator, which means it is consistently warm, often humid, and occasionally dusty. You do not need specialist gear, complex layers, or a new wardrobe. What you need is the right version of things you probably already own, a few medical essentials that are harder to find on arrival, and a small number of items that are genuinely Ghana-specific.
This guide is written specifically for British visitors, which means a few things are different from the generic lists you will find online. UK plug adapters are Type G — the same as Ghana — so you do not need a plug adapter at all. Many health items are available or cheaper in Ghana. And some things that US-focused guides flag as essential (like adapter plugs and certain medications) are either irrelevant or already covered by what you pack as standard.
The checklist is organised by category so you can work through it section by section. Print it out, save it to your phone, or screenshot the sections relevant to your trip. The key rule throughout: pack light. Ghana’s heat makes a heavy bag miserable, laundry services are widely available, and the markets are full of excellent, affordable clothing if you need to supplement what you brought.
💡 Good news for British visitors: Ghana uses Type G power sockets — the same three-pin plug used in the UK. You do not need a travel adapter. This is one less item on your packing list compared to visitors from the US, Europe, or Australia.
Documents & Pre-Travel Essentials
These are non-negotiable. Missing any of these at the airport or border will cause serious problems. Prepare them first before anything else.
| ✓ | DOCUMENTS — Cannot be left behind |
| ☐ | Passport — Valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages |
| ☐ | Ghana visa — Sticker visa obtained in advance from the Ghana High Commission, 13 Belgrave Square, London — apply at least 4 weeks before travel |
| ☐ | Yellow Fever certificate — MANDATORY for entry — your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Without this you can be refused boarding or entry |
| ☐ | Travel insurance documents — Policy number, emergency phone number, and coverage details — save digitally and carry a printed copy |
| ☐ | Malaria prescription — Bring your prescription and full course of tablets — do not rely on buying these in Ghana |
| ☐ | Photocopies of passport & visa — Keep separate from originals — leave one set at home with someone who can email it to you if needed |
| ☐ | Hotel confirmations — Printed or downloaded offline — useful for immigration questions at arrival |
| ☐ | Emergency contacts list — British High Commission Accra: +233 302 213 250 | Ghana emergency: 112 |
| ☐ | Travel card / bank details — Starling or Monzo recommended — fee-free international use, no foreign transaction charges |
| ☐ | GHIC / EHIC card — Ghana is not covered by the Global Health Insurance Card, so this does not replace travel insurance here — but bring it for any Europe stopovers |
Clothing: What to Wear in Ghana
Ghana is hot all year round, averaging 28–33°C in the south. The key words for clothing are lightweight, breathable, and modest — particularly when you are outside Accra or visiting markets, religious sites, or rural communities. Cotton and linen fabrics work well. Synthetic ‘technical’ fabrics that wick moisture are useful for hiking. Avoid white and very light colours — Ghana is genuinely dusty and red laterite dust stains permanently.
One thing worth knowing: Ghana has a strong, vivid fashion culture. You will see beautifully dressed Ghanaians everywhere, and you can and should buy kente fabric, wax-print cloth, and local-made clothing while you are there. Many visitors intentionally pack lighter on clothes specifically to leave room for market purchases. This is an excellent strategy.
Everyday Clothing
| ✓ | CLOTHING |
| ☐ | Lightweight t-shirts / tops (5–7) — Cotton or moisture-wicking — avoid white; mid and dark tones hide dust better |
| ☐ | Lightweight trousers / chinos (2–3 pairs) — For evenings, visiting sites, and anywhere conservative dress is expected |
| ☐ | Shorts (2–3 pairs) — Fine in Accra and at the beach; less appropriate in rural areas and northern Ghana |
| ☐ | Lightweight summer dresses (women, 2–3) — Versatile, cool, and appropriate for most settings if knee-length or below |
| ☐ | Long linen or cotton skirt (women, 1) — Essential for temple visits, funerals, traditional ceremonies, and northern Ghana |
| ☐ | Loose-fitting long-sleeve shirt (1–2) — For mosquito protection in the evenings, sun cover on hikes, and conservative sites |
| ☐ | Underwear (7–10 pairs) — Quick-dry fabrics if possible; laundry services are available but pack enough for the trip |
| ☐ | Light socks (4–5 pairs) — Thin cotton — mostly for trainers and hiking; sandals are worn sockless |
| ☐ | Swimwear (1–2 pieces) — For beaches, hotel pools, and resorts — keep to beach and pool areas only, not streets |
| ☐ | Light evening outfit (1) — Ghana has good restaurants and nightlife — pack one smarter option if relevant to your trip |
Footwear
| ✓ | FOOTWEAR |
| ☐ | Comfortable sandals (1 pair) — Your main daily footwear — sturdy rather than flip-flops; Birkenstocks-style hold up well |
| ☐ | Trainers / walking shoes (1 pair) — For hiking, market visits on uneven ground, and activities like ATVs or canopy walks |
| ☐ | Smart casual shoes (optional, 1 pair) — Only if your trip involves events, nice dinners, or nightlife — otherwise skip |
| ☐ | Flip flops (1 pair) — Beach and hotel room use — do not walk the streets in these |
⚠️ Footwear tip: Avoid stiletto or narrow heels — streets and paths in Ghana outside central Accra are uneven, have gaps, and are often dusty or muddy. Platform heels or block heels work for evenings out. Flat or low-heeled options are practical for everything else.
Seasonal Extras
| ✓ | SEASONAL EXTRAS |
| ☐ | Light scarf or buff (Harmattan, Dec–Feb) — Essential for dust protection during Harmattan season — covers nose and mouth on dusty roads and Accra highways |
| ☐ | Light rain jacket or poncho (rainy season, Apr–Oct) — Compact foldable option; afternoon downpours can be sudden and heavy |
| ☐ | Light cardigan or hoodie (1) — For heavily air-conditioned restaurants, malls, buses, and higher-altitude areas like Aburi and the Volta highlands |
Health & Medical: The Most Important Category
This is where British visitors need to pay closest attention. Some medical items are difficult or unreliable to find in Ghana, particularly outside Accra. Bring full supplies of everything you need — do not plan to buy malaria tablets, prescription medication, or quality sunscreen on arrival.
Essential Medical Items
| ✓ | HEALTH & MEDICAL |
| ☐ | Malaria prophylaxis (full course) — Malarone or Doxycycline — prescribed by GP or travel clinic. Take the FULL course including post-travel days. Do not skip this. |
| ☐ | Insect repellent (DEET-based, 50%) — DEET 50% is the standard recommendation for malaria-risk areas. Bring from home — quality is more reliable. Apply every evening. |
| ☐ | Antihistamine tablets — For insect bites, dust reactions, and general allergic reactions — Cetirizine or Loratadine work well in heat |
| ☐ | Imodium / anti-diarrhoea tablets — Traveller’s diarrhoea is common in the first few days as your system adjusts — always useful to have |
| ☐ | Oral rehydration sachets (6–10) — Dioralyte or equivalent — essential for rehydrating after diarrhoea or heavy sweating in extreme heat |
| ☐ | Paracetamol and ibuprofen — Available in Ghana but bring your own supply for convenience |
| ☐ | Antiseptic wipes and cream — For cuts, scrapes, and insect bite scratches — infection risk is higher in tropical heat |
| ☐ | Plasters / blister pads — Walking in heat causes blisters faster than in the UK — bring a good supply |
| ☐ | Prescription medication (full trip supply + extra) — Bring more than you need — replacing prescription drugs in Ghana is not straightforward |
| ☐ | Contraception (full supply) — Do not rely on finding your preferred contraception in Ghana |
| ☐ | Tampons / menstrual products — Available in Accra supermarkets but limited choice — bring your preferred brand and enough supply |
| ☐ | Hand sanitiser (small bottle for bag) — Many public toilets lack soap — essential for markets, street food, and rural areas |
| ☐ | Water purification tablets (optional) — Useful for rural areas and hiking destinations where bottled water may not be available |
| ☐ | Basic first aid kit — Scissors, tweezers, thermometer, gauze, medical tape — a compact travel kit covers all of these |
⚠️ Malaria reminder: Malaria is present in Ghana year-round in all regions. Take your prophylaxis medication every day without fail. Use DEET repellent every evening. Sleep under a mosquito net or in air-conditioned accommodation where windows are closed. Do not assume short trips carry no risk.
Sun & Heat Protection
| ✓ | SUN & HEAT PROTECTION |
| ☐ | Sunscreen SPF 50 (2 bottles) — Good quality sunscreen is difficult to find in Ghana and expensive when available — bring from home. Apply daily. |
| ☐ | Lip balm with SPF — Lips dry and burn quickly in Ghana’s sun and during Harmattan — Easy Track Ghana specifically flags this as hard to find |
| ☐ | Sunglasses (UV-protected) — Essential — bring a backup pair if you are prone to losing them; quality sunglasses are expensive in Ghana |
| ☐ | Sun hat or cap — Wide-brimmed hat for market visits and outdoor activities; a cap for hiking |
| ☐ | Moisturiser — The Harmattan (Dec–Feb) dries skin dramatically — shea butter is widely available and excellent in Ghana, but bring a small bottle to tide you over |
Toiletries
Most standard toiletries are available in Accra’s supermarkets and pharmacies — Accra Mall, Melcom, and the various supermarkets in Osu and East Legon are well-stocked. Outside Accra, availability decreases. The items flagged below are either unavailable, unreliable quality, or significantly more expensive in Ghana — bring these from home.
| ✓ | TOILETRIES |
| ☐ | Shampoo and conditioner — Available in Accra but bring your preferred brand if you have specific hair needs |
| ☐ | Deodorant — Easy Track Ghana specifically recommends deodorant (non-antiperspirant performs better in heat) — bring from home |
| ☐ | Toothbrush and toothpaste — Standard — available in Ghana but bring from home for peace of mind |
| ☐ | Razor / shaving kit — Basic razors available in Ghana; bring your preferred brand |
| ☐ | Wet wipes (travel pack) — Invaluable for dusty bus journeys, market visits, and quick clean-ups in places without running water |
| ☐ | Toilet paper (small travel pack) — Public toilets in Ghana often do not provide toilet paper — carry a small pack in your bag at all times |
| ☐ | Nail scissors and tweezers — Part of your basic first aid kit — not always easy to find in travel size |
| ☐ | Anti-fungal cream (small tube) — Ghana’s heat and humidity can cause fungal issues in skin folds — worth having even if you do not usually need it |
| ☐ | Nasal spray / saline drops — The Harmattan’s dust causes dry nasal passages and irritation — a saline spray provides significant relief |
💡 Leave room for shea butter: Ghana produces some of the world’s best shea butter — raw, unrefined, and sold by market traders at tiny prices. It is the best moisturiser for Harmattan skin and lips, and it is an excellent souvenir. Do not overfill your toiletry bag when you can buy the best product there.
Tech, Electronics & Connectivity
Ghana is relatively well connected by West African standards — 4G is available in Accra and major towns, Uber and Bolt apps work reliably in Accra, and most mid-range hotels and restaurants have WiFi. Outside cities, connectivity is more patchy. A local SIM card is by far the most practical solution for data.
| ✓ | TECH & ELECTRONICS |
| ☐ | Unlocked smartphone — Essential — Uber, Bolt, Google Maps, and WhatsApp are your primary daily tools in Ghana |
| ☐ | Plug adapter — NOT NEEDED — Ghana uses Type G sockets (UK standard three-pin). You can plug in all your UK devices directly. |
| ☐ | Portable power bank (10,000mAh+) — Power cuts (called ‘dumsor’ locally) are a reality in Ghana, including in Accra. A good power bank is essential. |
| ☐ | Universal travel charger / multi-USB — Charge multiple devices from one socket — useful when sockets are limited in guesthouses |
| ☐ | Laptop / tablet (if needed) — Most travellers manage without — use your phone for navigation and communication |
| ☐ | Camera / GoPro (optional) — Ghana is spectacular to photograph — bring a good camera if photography matters to you |
| ☐ | Camera lens cleaning cloth — Ghana is dusty and fine red dust gets into everything — protect your lenses |
| ☐ | Zip-lock bags for electronics — Essential — protects phones, cameras, and documents from both dust and sudden rain showers |
| ☐ | Headphones — For the plane, long bus journeys, and general use |
| ☐ | E-reader (optional) — Long bus journeys and beach time — download books before you fly |
Connectivity: Getting Data in Ghana
| ✓ | CONNECTIVITY |
| ☐ | Buy a Ghanaian SIM on arrival — MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana have counters in the arrivals hall at Kotoka Airport — buy immediately on landing. Data is cheap: GHS 30–50 (£1.50–£2.50) for 5–10GB. |
| ☐ | OR use an eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) — If your phone supports eSIM, Airalo and Holafly both offer Ghana data plans that activate immediately. Slightly more expensive than a local SIM but no SIM-swapping needed. |
| ☐ | Download offline maps before flying — Google Maps offline for Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi — download while on UK WiFi so you have navigation even without data |
| ☐ | WhatsApp is the primary communication tool — Every Ghanaian uses WhatsApp. Your hotel, your driver, your tour guide — all communication happens via WhatsApp. |
| ☐ | Download Uber and Bolt before you fly — Add a payment method in the UK. Both apps work reliably in Accra and are your primary safe transport option. |
Money & Practical Essentials
| ✓ | MONEY & PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS |
| ☐ | Starling or Monzo card — Fee-free international spending and ATM withdrawals at the real exchange rate — get one before you travel if you do not have one. Free to open online. |
| ☐ | Back-up credit/debit card — Keep a second card in your hotel safe — separate from your main wallet |
| ☐ | Small cash in GBP or USD for airport — Have a small amount of hard currency for your first taxi or essentials before you reach an ATM or exchange bureau |
| ☐ | Money belt or hidden pouch — Wear under clothes for passport and backup cards — particularly useful in crowded markets and on busy streets |
| ☐ | Small padlock — For hostel lockers, zipping bags closed on buses, and securing luggage |
| ☐ | Reusable water bottle — Tap water is not safe to drink in Ghana — stay hydrated with bottled water or from a filtered source. A reusable bottle saves money and reduces plastic. |
| ☐ | Day bag / crossbody bag — Small, worn across the body in front — your daily carry for phone, water, cash, and sunscreen. NOT a shoulder bag or backpack with easy-access outer pockets. |
| ☐ | Empty soft bag / tote bag — Fold flat in your luggage — for market purchases, beach days, and the almost-certain extra items you will buy |
| ☐ | Travel towel (quick-dry) — Budget guesthouses often do not provide towels, and beach towels are bulky — a quick-dry travel towel covers both |
| ☐ | Mosquito net (optional) — Only needed if staying in budget guesthouses or rural areas that do not provide one — most mid-range hotels are fine |
What NOT to Pack: Leave These at Home
Overpacking for Ghana is as common as underpacking the right things. Here is what you genuinely do not need:
- A plug adapter — Ghana’s Type G sockets are identical to UK sockets. Every UK device plugs directly in.
- Heavy jeans — You will wear them once and regret bringing them every other day. Leave them at home.
- Multiple pairs of smart shoes — One comfortable pair of sandals and one pair of trainers covers almost every situation. Smart shoes are dead weight.
- A full medical kit’s worth of tablets — Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and basic items are available across Ghana. Bring your malaria tablets and prescription drugs; buy the rest there if needed.
- Guidebooks — Lonely Planet Ghana is useful but heavy. Download the PDF version or use this site. Physical guidebooks are only worth bringing if you specifically prefer them.
- Expensive jewellery — Leave it at home. Wearing expensive-looking jewellery in crowded areas increases theft risk and draws unwanted attention.
- A whole new wardrobe from outdoor/safari shops — Ghana is not a safari destination requiring specialist clothing. Your regular summer clothes are fine. The khaki look is unnecessary and slightly comedic in Accra.
- White clothing — Ghana is dusty. Red laterite dust permanently stains light fabrics. Any white clothing will be orange within a day.
- Excessive cash — Bring one day’s spending money in cash at a time. Keep the rest in your hotel safe and use card or ATM withdrawals as needed.
What to Buy in Ghana Instead of Packing It
One of the pleasures of travelling to Ghana is that the markets are extraordinary — and buying locally supports Ghanaian traders and artisans. These are items worth leaving space in your bag for, or deliberately not bringing so you buy them there:
- Clothing — Kente-print shirts, batik dresses, wax-print fabric, and locally made clothes are widely available in markets and boutiques at reasonable prices. Many visitors buy an outfit specifically to wear during their trip.
- Shea butter — Raw, unrefined shea butter from northern Ghana is the best moisturiser in the world for dry skin and Harmattan lips. Available in markets for a fraction of the UK price.
- Flip flops and cheap sandals — Available everywhere for minimal cost. If yours wear out or break, replacements are easy and cheap.
- Sunglasses — Mid-range sunglasses are available in Accra’s malls. If you are budget-conscious, this is an option rather than packing an extra pair.
- Umbrellas — Small collapsible umbrellas for rain season are sold at street stalls across Accra for GHS 20–40 (£1–£2). No need to pack one.
- Snacks for buses — Bananas, bread rolls, bottled water, biscuits, and local snacks are sold at every bus station and many roadside stops. You do not need to bring energy bars from home.
- Souvenirs and gifts — Leave deliberate space in your luggage for kente fabric, carved wooden items, beaded jewellery, and Ghanaian hot sauce. You will want to bring these home.
Packing Extras by Trip Type
If You Are Hiking (Volta Region, Mt. Afadjato, Wli Falls)
| ✓ | HIKING EXTRAS |
| ☐ | Lightweight hiking trainers or trail shoes — Proper grip essential — waterfall trails are slippery, particularly when wet |
| ☐ | Long lightweight trousers — Protection from vegetation, insects, and sun on exposed ridge trails |
| ☐ | Trekking poles (optional) — Useful for steep sections of Mt. Afadjato and muddy waterfall trails after rain |
| ☐ | Headtorch + spare batteries — For early morning starts before dawn — mandatory if attempting sunrise hikes |
| ☐ | Waterproof bag liner or dry bag — Protect camera, phone, and documents on waterfall hikes where spray is unavoidable |
| ☐ | Blister plasters (extra supply) — Hiking in tropical heat generates blisters faster than cool conditions |
If You Are Going to the Beach (Ada Foah, Busua, Anomabo)
| ✓ | BEACH EXTRAS |
| ☐ | Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50 — Ghana’s beaches are beautiful — protect them. Reef-safe formulas are not available locally so bring from home. |
| ☐ | Rash vest / swim shirt — Strong equatorial sun burns fast — a rash vest is practical protection for long beach days |
| ☐ | Waterproof dry bag (5–10L) — For protecting phone and valuables at the beach — never leave these unattended on the sand |
| ☐ | Flip flops — Beach essential |
| ☐ | Beach cover-up / sarong — For walking to and from the beach without full beach dress on public streets |
If You Are Visiting in December (Harmattan / Detty December)
| ✓ | DECEMBER / HARMATTAN EXTRAS |
| ☐ | Face scarf or buff — The Harmattan brings fine Saharan dust that coats everything — essential for bus journeys and open-air spaces |
| ☐ | Nasal spray / saline drops — Harmattan dries nasal passages significantly — a saline spray provides real relief |
| ☐ | Extra lip balm — Lips crack and bleed in Harmattan conditions — bring two tubes |
| ☐ | Eye drops — Dust in the eyes is a consistent complaint during Harmattan — comfort drops help |
| ☐ | Smart going-out outfits (2–3) — December in Accra is festival season — the social calendar is busy and Ghanaians dress up |
The Master One-Page Checklist
Print this page or screenshot it before you pack:
Documents
- Passport (6 months+ validity, 2 blank pages)
- Ghana visa (obtained in advance)
- Yellow Fever certificate (mandatory)
- Travel insurance documents
- Malaria prescription and tablets
- Photocopies of all documents
- Hotel and flight confirmations
Clothing
- 5–7 lightweight t-shirts / tops
- 2–3 lightweight trousers or chinos
- 2–3 shorts or summer dresses
- 1 long skirt or loose long trousers (for conservative sites)
- 1–2 long-sleeve shirts (evening mosquito protection)
- Swimwear
- Sturdy sandals + trainers
- Light scarf / buff (Harmattan) or rain jacket (rainy season)
Health & Medical
- Malaria tablets (full course)
- DEET insect repellent 50%
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (2 bottles)
- Antihistamines
- Imodium / anti-diarrhoea
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Antiseptic cream and plasters
- Hand sanitiser
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Prescription medication (full supply + extra)
Tech
- Unlocked phone with Uber and Bolt installed
- Power bank (10,000mAh+)
- Zip-lock bags for electronics
- Offline Google Maps downloaded
- No plug adapter needed (Type G same as UK)
Practical
- Starling / Monzo card + backup card
- Day bag / crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel towel (quick-dry)
- Toilet paper (small pack for bag)
- Empty tote bag for market purchases
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