Travel Tips for Surrogacy in Ghana: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Surrogacy in Ghana is growing rapidly due to its affordability, legal clarity, and strong medical infrastructure. If you’re planning to travel for your surrogacy journey, preparing well in advance will help you avoid delays, stress, and unexpected issues.

Below is a complete guide to what intended parents should know before arriving in Ghana—covering travel documents, local laws, medical visits, safety, accommodations, and newborn procedures.

Why Ghana Is Becoming a Popular Surrogacy Destination

Ghana offers several advantages:

• Clear legal environment supporting surrogacy contracts
  
• Experienced fertility clinics and OB-GYN specialists
  
• Lower overall program cost compared to the U.S. or Europe
  
• English-speaking medical staff
  
• Easy travel connectivity
  

Travel Documents You Must Prepare

Before booking your flight, ensure all documents are ready.

Essential Documents

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)
  
• Ghana Entry Visa (must be arranged in advance for most nationalities)
  
• Letter from your surrogacy agency/clinic
  
• Medical records (fertility history, reports, prescriptions)
  
• Surrogacy contract copies
  
• Emergency contact details
  

For Newborn Baby Documentation

Once the baby is delivered:

• Birth certificate with parents’ names
  
• DNA test reports (if required by your home country)
  
• Passport for the baby
  
• Exit permit from Ghana Immigration Service
  

When Should Intended Parents Arrive in Ghana?

Most parents arrive:

• Between 32–36 weeks of the surrogate’s pregnancy, OR
  
• Immediately upon delivery (if they prefer last-minute travel)
  

For a smoother experience, arriving 2–3 weeks before the expected due date is recommended so you can attend:

• Final prenatal checkups
  
• Hospital planning meetings
  
• Legal document preparation
  

Acommodation Tips for Intended Parents

Choose accommodation close to:

• Your fertility clinic
  
• Delivery hospital
  
• Major transportation routes
  

Best Options

• Short-term serviced apartments
  
• Hotels offering long-stay discounts
  
• Agency-recommended family housing
  

Check for

• 24/7 electricity backup
  
• Air conditioning
  
• Wi-Fi
  
• Mini kitchen
  
• Hospital proximity

Health & Safety Tips While Staying in Ghana

Ghana is generally safe, but a few precautions help ensure a comfortable stay.

Health Tips

• Drink only bottled water
  
• Keep ORS and basic medicine with you
  
• Use insect repellent
  
• Wear masks in hospitals
  
• Follow clinic instructions strictly
  

Safety Tips

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  
• Use registered taxis or rideshare services
  
• Keep documents in a secure file
  

Follow local laws and cultural norms

What to Expect During Hospital Visits

You may attend:

• Growth scans
  
• Routine OB-GYN appointments
  
• Delivery planning meetings
  
• NICU consultations (if necessary)
  

Hospitals in Ghana offer:

• Professional English-speaking medical staff
  
• Neonatal care units
  
• Private maternity rooms (depending on hospital)
  

Cultural Expectations & Etiquette

Ghanaians are warm and respectful. A few tips:

• Greet politely before starting conversations
  
• Dress modestly in hospitals and public areas
  
• Be patient—processes may take time
  
• Keep a friendly and calm tone
  

After Delivery: Legal & Exit Process

This is the most important phase for intended parents.

Steps

1. Baby’s Birth Certificate
   • Your names are listed as parents based on surrogacy contract.
2. DNA Test (if required by your embassy)
   • Usually done within 3–7 days.
3. Passport Application for the Newborn
   • From your home-country embassy.
4. Ghana Exit Permit for Baby
   • Mandatory for leaving the country.

Timeline

The post-delivery stay is usually 2–4 weeks depending on embassy procedures.

Packing Checklist for Surrogacy Travel

For Parents

• Passport, visa, surrogacy documents
  
• International SIM or roaming
  
• Comfortable loose clothing (hot climate)
  
• Basic medicines
  
• Power bank
  
• Extra copies of all paperwork
  

For Baby

• Newborn clothes
  
• Baby formula (if needed)
  
• Diapers, wipes
  
• Baby blanket
  
• Travel-size hygiene products
  

Internal Linking Suggestions (SEO)

If this blog is going on Surrogacy4All, link internally to:

• Surrogacy in Ghana (Main Program Page)
  
• Cost of Surrogacy in Ghana
  
• Newborn Legal Process & Documentation
  
• Step-by-Step Surrogacy Program Overview
  
• Why Choose Surrogacy4All
  

FAQs

Q. Is Ghana safe for surrogacy travel?

Ans : Yes. Ghana is considered safe for international patients, with reliable medical care and supportive legal framework for surrogacy.

Q. How long must intended parents stay in Ghana after delivery?

Ans : Most families stay 2–4 weeks to complete DNA testing, passport processing, and the baby’s exit permit.

Q. Do I need a visa to enter Ghana?

Ans : Yes, most nationalities require a visa. Apply early through your local Ghanaian embassy.

Q. Can I attend the ultrasound and prenatal appointments?

Ans : Yes, intended parents are welcome to attend appointments if they arrive before delivery.

Q. What documents are needed for the newborn’s passport?

Ans : You will need the baby’s birth certificate, DNA report (if required), your passports, photos, and embassy-specific forms.

Q. Are the hospitals in Ghana modern and reliable?

Ans : Reputable surrogacy programs partner only with accredited hospitals offering experienced OB-GYNs, NICU facilities, and modern medical technology.

Q. Does the weather affect travel plans?

Ans : Ghana is warm year-round. Pack light clothing and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor travel.