As the government strives to forestall a fourth wave of infections, Ghana’s public health authorities have implemented new travel requirements requiring visitors to provide proof of immunization against Covid-19 starting next week.
Travelers “shall be asked to give documentation of full immunization” under new restrictions that take effect at midnight on Sunday, according to Ghana’s director-general of health services, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.
“All Ghanaians traveling outside the country must be completely vaccinated,” he stressed late Thursday in a statement.
The West African country has given out slightly over 5.7 million doses, with HIV cases remaining low.
Unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents who are currently outside the country but plan to return within 14 days of the deadline will be admitted.
“They will, however, be vaccinated upon arrival at the airport,” Kuma-Aboagye said.
Other prerequisites for flying include a negative PCR test prior to departure and an antigen test upon arrival.
“They will, however, be vaccinated upon arrival at the airport,” Kuma-Aboagye said.
Other restrictions for travel, such as a negative PCR test prior to departure and an antigen test upon arrival in Ghana, remain in effect.
Since the outbreak began, the country has seen just over 131,000 illnesses and 1,200 deaths.
Ghana and Nigeria said last week that they had discovered cases of the novel Covid-19 variant Omicron.
Vaccine passports are required for travel or admission to specified public locations in some European and Asian countries.
The United Kingdom stated this week that evidence of vaccination will be required to enter nightclubs and other large entertainment venues.
