Travel to Africa is becoming increasingly popular, and getting there is becoming easier. Flights into Ghana are frequent, but time and research is necessary to ensure a good trip.
There are several direct flight routes into Accra from the United States. South African Airways and Delta Airlines (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines/Northwest) have nonstop flights between Accra and John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport in Georgia.
Most flights into Accra from the U.S. are routed through Europe. This option is often cheaper but may require a layover. British Airways, Lufthansa and KLM offer multiple flights into Accra via London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
Safe and reliable air travel between African countries can be tricky. Small African carriers offer many flights between countries, but aircraft quality and maintenance may not be up to American and European standards. It's best to do some research before boarding an African carrier.
Travel to Accra requires a visa from the government of Ghana. There are six types of visas available, and processing requires significant documentation. For assistance, a passport/visa processing company can be hired.
Schedule an appointment with a nearby travel clinic for inoculations and preventative medicine. A yellow fever card is required upon entering Ghana, which also lists other shots needed for entry. Antimalarial medication is highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
