What vaccines do I need for Ghana?

Required: Yellow Fever (required for all travelers 9 months of age and older; proof of vaccination required at entry). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningococcal (particularly for travel to the northern savannah regions), Rabies (for extended stays or animal contact), Cholera.

Is tap water safe to drink in Ghana?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Ghana. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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West Africa

Ghana Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Ghana presents high infectious disease risk for travelers, with malaria transmission occurring year-round throughout the entire country. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Waterborne and foodborne illnesses including typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera are common, particularly outside of Accra. Travelers to rural areas face additional risks from Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers endemic to the region.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Ghana

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required for all travelers 9 months of age and older; proof of vaccination required at entry)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Malaria prophylaxis
Meningococcal (particularly for travel to the northern savannah regions)
Rabies (for extended stays or animal contact)
Cholera

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Ghana

Malaria Risk

High risk throughout Ghana year-round, including in Accra. Falciparum malaria predominates and drug resistance is present. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all travelers. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are preferred.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Do not drink tap water anywhere in Ghana. Use sealed bottled water only. Avoid ice, raw produce washed in tap water, and street food unless preparation standards can be verified. Food safety varies widely even in Accra.

Key Health Tips for Ghana

Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination; it is required at the border.
Begin malaria prophylaxis at least one to two days before arrival and continue after departure.
Use DEET repellent consistently and sleep under a bed net, particularly outside of air-conditioned rooms.
Confirm your travel health insurance covers emergency evacuation; advanced medical care is limited outside Accra.

Disease Risks in Ghana

Official Resources

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