GHANA Tour INFO Page

Important Info, Updates and FAQ’s

This page will be updated frequently, please check back

OVERVIEW:

Traveler Directory & Communications

  • Who’s traveling? Check the Traveler Directory: CLICK HERE. Please review your own info and update it if necessary.

  • All official SANS communication during the trip will be via WhatsApp. We will send you an invitation to join the official SANS WhatsApp group in June.

health information & emergency forms:

TRIP REHEARSALS:

  • 3 Thursdays: June 4, 11 & 18, 7-9pm

  • All day rehearsal: Saturday, June 20, 9am-4pm
    Non-singing guests are invited and encouraged to attend the afternoon session to meet fellow travelers and participate in a trip orientation.

TRIP REPERTOIRE:


Trip Talks

TRIP TALK #1 (May 28, on Zoom)

TRIP TALK #2 (June 11, in person)

Ghana Learning Resources


TRAVELER must-DO’S:

- Visa for Ghana
- ETA for the UK
- Yellow Fever Vaccination

  • Visa to enter Ghana

Every traveler must obtain a visa from the Ghanaian embassy in Washington D.C. If you haven’t started your application yet, you MUST get started and send it in as soon as possible. The application process is complex, and the turn around time is three weeks. We have no recourse for travelers who do not have a Visa in hand by our departure date.

  • Visa application portal: CLICK HERE

  • Instructions: Please use these INSTRUCTIONS as you work through the process. It will answer many questions.

  • Help is available! We have several singers who have been helping fellow singers through the process. If you have any questions or difficulty, please contact us right away and we will connect you with someone who can help you get this done.

  • ETA to enter the UK

Every traveler connecting through the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA/ETA), even though we are only passing through the airport. The cost is 20 pounds (Approximately $26-28). The good news: This is quick and easy compared to the Visa!! Your ETA will be good for two years.

  • UK ETA App (if you have a chip in your passport)

  • UK ETA website (if you do not have a chip in your passport, or don’t want to use the App)

  • Please note: Make sure you only use one of these official Apps or the UK government website. There are 3rd party vendors who will walk you through the process, but they add high fees. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us, rather than using an online service.

  • Yellow Fever Vaccination

The Yellow Fever vaccination (or an official medical exemption) is required for anyone entering Ghana. You must present your “yellow card” or exemption to enter the country. Please double check now that you know where it is, and carry it with your Passport in your carry on (not checked!) bag.

CONCERT ATTIRE: (3 formal concerts)

Please note that Ghanaian choirs are typically more formal in dress and more "matchy" than SANS.  To respect that tradition, we are asking every traveler to abide by our concert attire guidelines.  Thank you!

  • Royal blue on the top. You have the choice of three shirt styles:

  • Black on the bottom:

    • Pants/slacks should be “dressy” and at least 3/4 length. No jeans, casual capris, etc.

    • Skirts should be below the knee

    • Black shoes only. Sandals are OK, but no casual “flip flop” styles.

  • Accessories:

    • SANS will supply accessories in Ghanaian colors.

  • Masks:

    • If you chose to wear a mask for a concert(s) it should be black only.

INFORMAL ATTIRE: (For our village day & select events)

We will all wear our “WOYAYA” t-shirt (singers and guests) on our village day and for select events. You may wear any pants/bottoms/shoes for these occasions.

TOP TRAVEL TIPS

Please also see our Tour Company’s FAQ’s on the
Travelers Resource Page CILCK HERE
(scroll down to the very bottom of the page)

PACKING ADVICE
What to put in your carry-on: If you are checking a bag, please be sure to pack your concert clothes, medications, and travel documents (passport, proof of yellow fever vaccination or exemption) in your carry on, as well as enough clothes/supplies for a couple of days, in case of lost luggage.

LUGGAGE
Please stay aware of your bags at all times, especially at airports and hotel lobbies, when things can get distracting. When we arrive at a new hotel, please follow the instructions of the bus captains about when we can go into the hotel. Never leave your bag unattended on the street.

FOOD & WATER GUIDELINES

  • Drink only bottled water, including when you brush your teeth.

  • Do not use ice unless you know it was made from bottled water.

  • Bring snacks: 3 meals will be included each day, but “snacks” in the way we think of them will usually not be available, and there are a couple of nights when we will have a late dinner, after a concert. Non-refrigerated suggestions include: individual packs of nuts or trail mix, protein bars, cheese sticks, jerkey, or your own personal go-to’s.

  • If you have dietary restrictions and are not finding enough foods you can eat, please talk with our Tour Managers, who can work with the chefs, hotels and restaurants to find solutions.

  • Please do not eat food from street vendors.

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom.

ATM & CREDIT CARDS
Don’t forget to notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations. This can often be done online.

TIPPING
Tips for our Tour Manager, tour guides, bus drivers, and waitstaff at all group meals are included in your tour cost.

PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety advice in Ghana is the same as all cities and tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings - stay alert and be cautious, especially in crowded areas and at night. Don't display wealth - avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Carry your money, wallet and phone in a well-secured bag, and stay aware of your bag at all times. If you wish to depart from the group, please not go off on your own - take at least one other person with you, and be sure to inform the daily bus captains of your plans.