Ghana: Updated Travel and Safety Advice for Border Areas

As of July 8, 2026, the travel and safety advisories for Ghana have been updated. This update is in response to violent clashes related to the so-called Bawku conflict, which resulted in several attacks in April 2026 that left people dead and injured. The areas most affected are those bordering Burkina Faso and Togo, particularly the Upper West, Upper East, and North East regions, as well as the cities of Bawku, Garu, Zebilla, Tempane, Nalerigu, and Walewale and their surrounding areas. Travel to these areas is expressly discouraged. The security assessment has also been raised for the northern border areas with Côte d’Ivoire in the Savannah and Bono regions, where travel is strongly discouraged.

For travelers planning a trip to Ghana or already in the country, this means one thing above all: the affected border regions in the north should generally be avoided. Large gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided at all costs, and travelers should closely monitor local media and follow instructions from local security forces to ensure they do not miss any curfews that may be in effect. The regions of interest to tourists in the south and along the coast are not directly affected by these advisories; nevertheless, it is always worth checking the current situation before traveling.

Another important point concerns the legal situation for LGBTIQ individuals. In late May 2026, the Ghanaian Parliament passed the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” which has not yet been signed by the president. The bill would criminalize non-heterosexual sexual intercourse as well as support for LGBTIQ rights, and also includes a requirement to report such acts. The mere passage of the bill by Parliament is expected to lead to an increase in attacks on LGBTIQ individuals, which is why particular caution is advised in public.

For visa applicants wishing to visit Ghana for business or tourism purposes, these security advisories do not initially change the basic entry requirements. Those who wish to handle the formalities themselves in a straightforward manner without dealing with government agencies can receive assistance with their application: We’ll handle the entire processing of your tourist visa for Ghana and carefully review your documents before submitting them. We also offer a suitable solution for business trips with the Ghana Business Visa.

In any case, careful travel planning is essential: Anyone intending to travel to the northern part of the country should pay particularly close attention to the current security situation and consider alternative routes or travel dates. Adequate travel health insurance, as well as regularly monitoring news and weather reports while planning your trip, are also recommended precautions. If you’re unsure which type of visa is right for your planned stay, our visa overview for Ghana is a good starting point for further planning.

Overall, the current situation shows that while Ghana remains a popular travel destination, certain regions currently require increased caution. Those who travel to the well-established tourist areas in the south and avoid the aforementioned border regions in the north can still plan a trip to Ghana with confidence. Submitting a visa application early and correctly will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth entry process.