What vaccines are recommended for Ghana?

Yellow Fever is mandatory. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Meningitis ACWY, Polio booster, and routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus). Rabies and Cholera are recommended for certain travellers visiting rural areas or staying long-term.

How much do travel vaccinations for Ghana cost?

In the UK, basic vaccinations (Yellow Fever + Hep A + Typhoid) cost approximately £60-£100 as Hep A and Typhoid are free on NHS. A comprehensive set including Rabies costs £400-£600. In the US, expect to pay $250-$500 for basic vaccines and $1,000-$1,800 for a full set.

How far in advance should I get vaccinated for Ghana?

Start 6-8 weeks before travel. Yellow Fever needs 10 days to become valid. Hepatitis B standard schedule takes 6 months (rapid schedule available in 3 weeks). Rabies requires 3 doses over 21-28 days. Hepatitis A and Typhoid work within 2 weeks.

Do I need a cholera vaccine for Ghana?

The oral cholera vaccine (Dukoral) is recommended for aid workers, those working in healthcare, and travellers visiting remote rural areas or areas with known cholera outbreaks. It is not routinely recommended for standard tourists staying in Accra or other major cities.

Vaccinations for Ghana — 2026 Guide

Q: Is Yellow Fever vaccination required for Ghana?

Yes. Ghana requires all travellers aged 9 months and older to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. The certificate is valid for life. Health officials at Kotoka International Airport routinely check certificates.

Ghana requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for entry. Several additional vaccines are strongly recommended to protect against diseases endemic to West Africa. Start your vaccination programme 6–8 weeks before travel.

Mandatory: A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Ghana. Kotoka International Airport (Accra) health officials check certificates on arrival. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever — MANDATORY

Requirement	Mandatory for ALL travellers aged 9 months+
Certificate validity	Lifetime (WHO 2016 amendment)
When to get it	At least 10 days before arrival in Ghana
Cost (UK)	£60–£85 at approved travel clinics
Cost (US)	$150–$350 at CDC-approved centres
Doses	Single dose, lifetime protection
Ghana context	Ghana is a Yellow Fever endemic country; the vaccine protects you AND is a legal requirement

Ghana experienced Yellow Fever outbreaks historically and remains in the endemic zone. The vaccine is both for your protection and a legal entry requirement.

Recommended Vaccinations

Vaccine	Who Needs It	Doses	Advance Time	UK Cost	US Cost	Duration
Hepatitis A	All travellers	2 (0 + 6–12 months)	2+ weeks	Free NHS / £50 private	$50–$100	25+ years
Hepatitis B	All travellers, long stays, medical workers	3 (0, 1, 6 months)	6 months / 3 weeks (rapid)	Free at-risk / £50/dose	$50–$100/dose	Lifetime
Typhoid	All travellers	1 injection	2+ weeks	Free NHS / £30	$40–$80	3 years
Meningitis ACWY	Recommended, especially if visiting northern Ghana	1 dose	2+ weeks	£40–£65	$100–$200	5 years
Rabies	Adventure travellers, rural stays, animal contact	3 (0, 7, 21–28 days)	4 weeks	£50–£65/dose	$200–$400/dose	Pre-exposure simplifies post-exposure treatment
Cholera	Aid workers, remote rural areas	2 oral doses	2+ weeks	£55–£70	$100–$150	2 years
Polio (booster)	All travellers (if >10 years since last dose)	1 booster	Any time	Free NHS	$40–$80	10+ years
Routine (MMR, Tetanus, Diphtheria)	All — ensure up to date	Check records	Any time	Free NHS	Varies	Varies

Ghana-specific note: Typhoid is very common in Ghana due to water and food hygiene challenges. Hepatitis A is also highly endemic. Both vaccines are considered essential for all Ghana travellers. Cholera outbreaks occur periodically in Accra and coastal communities.

COVID-19 Requirements (2026)

As of early 2026, Ghana has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for incoming travellers. The Ghana Health Service lifted COVID travel restrictions. Check the Ghana Health Service website for current guidance before travel.

Where to Get Vaccinated

United Kingdom

NHS GP: Free Hep A, Typhoid, Polio booster, Tetanus/Diphtheria
Private clinics: Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Rabies, Hep B — MASTA, CityDoc, Nomad Travel, Superdrug
Yellow Fever MUST be given at a NaTHNaC-registered centre

United States

CDC-approved Yellow Fever vaccination centres only
Travel clinics: Passport Health, CVS MinuteClinic, local health departments
Check insurance coverage for travel vaccines

Estimated Total Cost

Scenario	UK Cost	US Cost
Basic (YF + Hep A + Typhoid + Polio)	£60–£100	$250–$500
Standard (above + Hep B + Meningitis)	£200–£350	$500–$900
Comprehensive (above + Rabies + Cholera)	£400–£600	$1,000–$1,800

Children & Pregnancy

Children

Yellow Fever: From 9 months (Ghana requirement)
Ensure routine childhood vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Hib) are up to date
Hep A from 1 year; Typhoid injection from 2 years
Rabies can be given at any age

Pregnant Women

Yellow Fever is a live vaccine — generally avoided in pregnancy unless travel is essential and risk is high
Hep A (inactivated) and Typhoid injection are considered safe in pregnancy
Discuss risk-benefit with your doctor if you must travel to Ghana while pregnant

Immigration & Certificate Tips

Carry your Yellow Card (ICVP) with your passport at all times
Kotoka International Airport Port Health checks certificates routinely
Keep a digital photo of your certificate on your phone as backup
If transiting through Ghana to other West African countries, the Yellow Fever certificate is checked at each border
Lost certificate? Contact your vaccinating clinic for replacement

Vaccination Timeline

8 weeks: Yellow Fever, Hep B, Rabies
6 weeks: Meningitis ACWY
4 weeks: Hep A, Typhoid, Cholera
2 weeks: Polio booster
10 days: YF certificate active