For almost every visitor, Ghana begins at Kotoka International Airport in Accra — a modern, well-run gateway whose smart Terminal 3 handles all international flights. Knowing the arrival drill (yellow fever check, immigration, SIM and cash) and how to get into the city smoothly saves you stress at the end of a long journey. Here’s a practical guide to Kotoka International Airport (ACC): arriving, getting to town, and departing.
Kotoka at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Code | ACC |
| Terminal | Terminal 3 (all international flights) |
| Location | Airport City, ~central Accra |
| Need on arrival | e-Visa (most), Yellow Fever certificate |
| To the city | Taxi / Bolt / hotel pickup |
Arriving at Kotoka
Arrivals land at the modern Terminal 3. The steps: have your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate ready (it’s checked and mandatory — see our health guide), clear immigration with your passport and visa (most travellers need a visa arranged in advance via the e-Visa/embassy — there’s no general visa on arrival; see our visa guide), collect bags, and pass customs. The terminal has ATMs, forex bureaus and SIM-card desks (MTN and others) so you can get cash and connected before you leave — see our SIM card guide.
Getting from the airport to the city
Kotoka is close to central Accra — most neighbourhoods are 15–40 minutes away (traffic permitting). Options:
- Hotel pickup — the easiest after a long flight; arrange in advance.
- Bolt / Uber — cheapest; order once outside (drivers may meet you at a designated pickup point rather than the door).
- Airport taxi — readily available; agree the fare before getting in.
Have some cash and a working SIM before you ride. See our where to stay in Accra guide for distances by area.
Departing from Kotoka
Arrive 3 hours before international departures — check-in, immigration and security can be busy. The terminal has duty-free, shops, cafes and lounges airside. Keep some cedis for any last purchases, and note that liquids/security rules are standard. Build in extra time for Accra’s unpredictable traffic on the way to the airport, especially at rush hour.
Tips for Kotoka
- Carry your Yellow Fever certificate in your hand luggage — it’s checked on arrival.
- Sort your visa before flying — no general visa on arrival.
- Grab a SIM and cash at the terminal to ride and navigate.
- Pre-book a pickup for a smooth first night, or use Bolt to save money.
- Allow 3 hours and extra for traffic when departing.
The bottom line
Kotoka is a modern, straightforward gateway — the keys are arriving with your visa sorted and Yellow Fever certificate in hand, grabbing a SIM and cash in the terminal, and lining up a hotel pickup or Bolt into the city. Do that and your Ghana trip starts smoothly. Plan the essentials with our visa, flights and getting around guides.
