Expert: Bernard Ting - 4/18/2011

Question
I am aware that customs is where you need to show your passport and declare items that you have purchased in the country..is there a certain amount of cash you must have on your person in order to get through customs in Accra as you return to the USA.

Answer
Hi Pam,

Once you arrive at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), you must show your passport and ticket to get into the airport. You proceed to the right most side of the airport where you need to submit your luggage for inspection by Ghana Customs. The amount of cash you have on your person is immaterial as long as you have less than US$10,000. You have to declare your cash if it's over $10,000.

After customs, you proceed to the airline counter to check-in where someone will once again check your passport against a master list of passengers and for flights to the US, against a no-fly list. Then you will be directed to the check-in counter where you will again present your passport and obtain your boarding pass. From there, you'll be directed to a table where all your luggage including the check-in luggage will be thoroughly hand inspected. This is done by security agents employed by the US.

Once you pass all these checks, you proceed upstairs where you'll clear Immigration. You show your passport, exit card, and ticket. From here, you can proceed to the gate where you'll once again have to show everything to clear security.

These days, it very different than 5 years ago when everyone were asking you for "a little something". That is, no need to hand anyone small bribes.

I hope this answers your question.