Ghana: Authorities temporarily ban travelers from Israel, Malta, and South Korea effective Dec. 20 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 28

Event

Effective Dec. 20, authorities have banned travelers from Israel, Malta, and South Korea from entering the country for a 14-day period at least, citing health concerns due to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. In addition, officials said that the COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued in Malta are not recognized. Exemptions exist for travels involving humanitarian reasons and official duties under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration approval.

Domestic Measures
Domestic overground transport and domestic flights have resumed with hygiene protocols in place. Social gatherings, such as political rallies, sporting, and religious events, remain banned while nightclubs and bars are closed. Officials have placed a limit of up to 25 people on private events such as funerals. All educational centers are opened as well as hotels, malls, and restaurants. The use of facemasks is compulsory in select places, and residents must adhere to at least one meter of social distancing in all public spaces nationwide. Violators face fines or custodial sentences.

International Travel Restrictions
All arriving passengers above the age of 18 are required to present proof of vaccination. A person is considered fully vaccinated after two doses of AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines or after one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. All unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents intending to return to Ghana within 14 days from Dec. 12 will be exempt; however, they will be vaccinated on arrival. Before arrival, passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form here, create an account on a dedicated website accessible by clicking here and upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. The same testing requirement applies upon departure from Ghana. Upon arrival, passengers will be screened and tested at their expense. The cost is USD 150 or USD 50 for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) residents. The test must be paid before travel via a website accessible by clicking here. Individuals who test positive on arrival must undergo a seven-day mandatory isolation period at a designated facility at their own expense. Passengers transiting through Accra will not be subjected to testing requirements upon arrival.

Land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic until further notice. The transport of essential goods and freight has continued, though delays are likely due to enhanced screening measures.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ghana Ministry of Health
Health Declaration Form