The Ghana Airports Company (GAC) has updated the Covid-19 guidelines for passengers using Kotoka International Airport.

Passengers arriving to Ghana are now required to obtain a negative PCR test result not more than 72hrs before departure, complete additional health declaration forms on arrival, and undergo a further COVID test on arrival:

The Health Declaration Form can be accessed online at www.ghs-hdf.org. Passengers are strongly encouraged to fill out this form as it helps in complying with social distancing and other Covid 19 protocols on arrival in Ghana.

Coronavirus tests before departure

On 21 April 2021, the Government of Ghana introduced the mandatory digitisation of all COVID-19 tests for international air travel, with the implementation of the Trusted Travel scheme. Passengers travelling to Ghana MUST now comply with following:

• 1. Take a Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID test with one of the listed providers within 72 hours of departure. Visit www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel for a certified list of providers. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test to facilitate your travel to another country.
• 2. Create an account at www.trustedtravel.panabios.org with the same email address and mobile telephone number you provided for your PCR test. If your provider is unable to upload your test certificate on your behalf, you should enter your TT or BIOMARS code from your PCR certificate or upload the certificate yourself.
• 3. Whilst the system outlined in paragraphs 1&2(above) remains new we also recommend travelling with hard copy proof of this negative Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result, to present on arrival and departure

Children under the age of 5 are exempt. For passengers who have transited through other countries before arriving in Ghana, the first country of departure will be the reference point.

The same arrangements apply to passengers departing from Ghana, and you may not be allowed to leave board flights without uploading a certified Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID test. Visit www.africacdc.org/trusted-travel for a certified list of providers in Ghana.

Further checks and forms upon arrival.

Upon arrival in Ghana, passengers are also required to:

• 4. Complete an online health declaration form pre-departure (If not completed before departure). All passengers may also be asked to complete hard copy self-declaration forms on the flight, confirming they are fit to travel and providing details to facilitate contact tracing.
• 5. Wear a facemask throughout their flight and upon landing in Accra.
• 6. Undergo a temperature check on arrival.
• 7. On arrival all passengers will be subjected to a mandatory COVID-19 test at Kotoka International airport. The test is an antigen fluorescent immunoassay test, and it will be conducted before baggage is collected at a cost of USD$50 for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals, and USD$150 for non-ECOWAS nationals. ECOWAS nationals must be in possession of a valid passport of their country of citizenship. Payment should be made online prior to boarding at www.myfrontierhealthcare.com. Children under the age of five are exempt.

During busy periods where there may be several passengers disembarking at the same time the testing area may become busy. Test results are normally ready within one hour, depending how busy the airport is. The pre departure area where test results are collected can also get busy. You can check your results online while you wait.

Quarantine requirements.

All arriving passengers should be prepared to comply with Ghana’s COVID-19 Health Protocols. This may, depending on the test result of individuals or others on the flight, involve time in quarantine or in a Government Health facility. Quarantine and / or medical costs can be expensive, so it is important that all passengers arrive with adequate access to financial resources.

Passengers arriving in Ghana are reminded that COVID-19 protocols at the airport may be subject to change as the new screening process evolves. See the guidance from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority ( www.gcaa.com.gh), or the Ghana Airports Company Limited(www.gacl.com.gh ).

Transiting Ghana.

Transit passengers, except where they will remain in the airport throughout or those who were diverted to Accra for an emergency, will also be subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing as outlined above.

Visas

Ghana has not granted any visa exemptions or extensions for visitors during the pandemic so all British nationals will need to visit the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) office in person to extend their visas.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

If you are not a Ghanaian-British National, you need a visa to enter Ghana. Ghana’s UK visa service is operating. Visit the Ghana High Commission website on ( www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com to stay up to date and to make an online application. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Ghana High Commission accepts postal applications only.

Passport validity

For UK and other nationals your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Ghana.