Ghana has revised its Covid-19 protocols for air travellers.
The revision of the protocols, which will affect travellers arriving in Ghana follows the upsurge in the number of Covid-19 cases.
According to the new measures that have been contained in the new amendments to Ghana’s air travel guidelines, Ghanaian residents who depart Ghana and return within a week will not be required to present a COVID-19 test result from the country of departure.
The measures that have already been effected by the Kotoka International Airport will see travellers undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing upon arrival in Ghana at a cost of $50.
Speaking during a live press conference in Accra on Tuesday, February 9, the Minister-designate for Information, Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah noted that Ghanaian passengers who fail to comply with the guidelines would have their passports seized and the passenger handed over to the state security agencies to undergo a 14 day mandatory quarantine at the passenger’s cost.
He also that Ghanaians who test positive for the virus would undergo mandatory isolation and treatment at a cost to the state.
Non-Ghanaian passengers, however, may be refused entry and returned to the point of embarkation at the cost of the airline if they fail to prove that they had adhered to the new guidelines.
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According to Mr Oppong-Nkrumah, per the new measures, airlines who board passengers without PCR results or who transfer or disembark passengers with positive PCR test to Accra will be fined $3500 per passenger.
“Also, non-Ghanaian passengers may be refused entry and returned to the point of embarkation at the cost of the airline if there is no proof that they have complied with the guidelines,” noted Mr Oppong-Nkrumah.
He further noted that non-Ghanaian passengers who test positive will undergo mandatory isolation and treatment at a cost to the passengers.
He said non-Ghana passengers will continue to pay the $150 mandatory COVID-19 test upon arrival in Ghana.
Transiting passengers will, however, not be required to take the COVID-19 test in Accra.
According to Mr Oppong-Nkrumah, they will rather be required to adhere to the COVID-19 testing requirements for the destination country.
Airline crew, as well as children under five years, are also exempted from taking the COVID-19 tests in Accra.
He added that passengers who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to take the test if they do not leave the airport or remain in isolation in the airport.
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After the Covid-19 pandemic hit the African continent, many countries were forced to set up travel guidelines to help curb the spread of the virus.
Entry Requirements into various countries
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry.
If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry requirements into Ghana before being revised
Kotoka International Airport remained open, with commercial flights operating to and from Ghana.
You were required to check with your travel company for the latest information. COVID-19 protocols at the airport may be subject to change as the new screening process evolves.
All passengers arriving were required by the Government of Ghana to:
- Complete an online health declaration form pre-departure
- Wear a face-mask throughout their flight and upon landing in Accra.
- All passengers may also be asked to complete hard copy self-declaration forms on the flight, confirming they are fit to travel and providing details to facilitate contact tracing.
- On arrival produce evidence of a negative Polymerise Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result. This test must have taken place within 72 hours of departure. Children under the age of five are exempt. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test. For passengers who have transited other countries before arriving in Ghana the first country of departure will be the reference point.
- Undergo a temperature check on arrival.
- On arrival all passengers will be subject to a mandatory COVID-19 test at Kotoka International airport. The test is an antigen fluorescent immunoassay test and it will be conducted before baggage is collected at a cost of $150 per passenger. Payment should be made online prior to boarding. Children under the age of five are exempt. Children between the ages of five and 12 years will undergo testing on arrival free of charge. From 6 pm on February 8 testing for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years will no longer be free of charge and will also be at a cost of $150 per passenger.
The Government of Ghana had stated results would be available within 30 minutes of the test taking place at the airport.
