Traveling from Nigeria to Ghana without an international passport is very much possible under specific conditions, particularly within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). If you planning to traveling to any west African country and your not sure if you need international passport this article is for you. A lot of people have the mind set that its impossible to travel to some country without international passport. This guide provides detailed information on alternative travel documents, procedures, and essential tips to make sure you have a smooth journey.

The truth is that you can travel without international passport between Nigeria and Ghana under ECOWAS rules using alternative documents primarily the ECOWAS Travel Certificate, but in emergencies, an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is required. The Nigerian National Identity Card (NIN) is not officially accepted by Ghanaian immigration, which requires a valid “passport or legal travel document.” Border crossings at Seme‑Krake (Nigeria‑Benin/Togo) and Aflao (Togo‑Ghana) are the main land routes; each of them has its own procedures and potential delays.

If your crossing from Lagos to Seme border yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, and you must present the certified card. travel with a reputable bus companies (GIGM, ABC Transport) remains the most economical, while the Unity Line boat offers an alternative water route. Currency planning, getting a local SIM card, and a respectful attitude at checkpoints will make things easy for your trip.

How To Get ECOWAS Travel Certificate

You travel from Nigeria to Ghana without any international passport, but you still need to get an Ecowas travel certificates if your a regular traveler. This is because you wouldn’t want to be delayed for not having the required documents when you list expect it, so is important you get the certificate in-case of eventuality.

To get the certificate follow this simple steps:

1. ECOWAS Travel Certificate

The ECOWAS Travel Certificate is a recognized document that permits travel within ECOWAS countries. Which are:

Benin

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea‑Bissau

Liberia

Nigeria

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Togo

Eligibility for Nigerians:

• Nigerian citizenship
• Minimum age of 18 years (minors require parental consent)

Required Documents

• Completed application form at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/ecowas/ecowas
• Three recent colour ed passport photographs (4×4 cm).
• Proof of age (birth certificate or statutory declaration).
• Letter of introduction from employer or institution (for students) and confirmation of citizenship from Local Government Chairman.

If you can apply online visit any Nigerian immigration service office:

Apply at Immigration office

• Visit any Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) ECOWAS office near you.
• Pay the statutory fee (approximately ₦10,000–₦15,000, depending on LGA).
• Biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph).
• Processing time: 5–7 working days; expedited service may be available at select offices.

Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)

Another certificate you need is Emergency travel certificate, when you need urgent travel and you don’t have any passport this certificate will serve as prove for your emergency situation.

To get it, you need to be a:

• Nigerian citizens whose passports are lost, stolen, or expired and who must travel immediately.

Required Documents:

• Letter to the Head of Mission explaining the emergency.
• Police report for lost/stolen passports (with translation if not in English).
• Proof of citizenship (ePassport copy or National ID).
• Two passport photographs (35×40 mm).

• Process: Submit documents at any Nigerian consulate or NIS office; fee is around ₦5,000.
• Validity: One‑way travel only; must return on ETC or obtain a full passport at destination.

The National Identity Number (NIN) Myth

Despite some online claims, Ghana’s immigration insists on a “valid passport or legal travel document” for entry—no mention of NIN acceptance. Attempting entry on NIN alone often leads to denial or lengthy secondary inspections.

Border Crossings: Routes & Protocols

Seme‑Krake Joint Border Post

• Location: Badagry–Seme Road, Lagos State (Nigeria) into Grand-Popo (Benin) then onward.
• Procedure:
  1. Present ECOWAS certificate/ETC at Nigerian exit booth.
  2. Proceed 3 km to Benin/ECOWAS entry; minimal checks for ECOWAS documents.
  3. Continue through Benin to Togo by domestic transport (taxi/coach).
• Tips:
  • Arrive early (before 10 AM); afternoon sees heavy cargo traffic.
  • Keep copies of documents to speed up lost‑file searches.

Illela Border (Northern Route)

• Location: Sokoto State (Nigeria) into Kamba (Niger) then through Burkina Faso to Ghana—longer, seldom used.
• Recommendation: Avoid unless heading to West Burkina/Ghana by overland bypass.

Aflao‑Togo‑Ghana Crossing

• Route: After Benin, cross Togo–Ghana at Aflao.
• Procedure:
  1. Enter Togo with ECOWAS certificate; pay CFA 100–200 in handling “tax.”
  2. At Aflao, present same certificate and Yellow Fever card.
  3. Pay small “road tax” (~GHS 1–2).
• Local Insight: Togo officials are strict on vaccination; always have the original Yellow Fever card

Prices of road transport from Lagos to Ghana

For the prices of bus from Lagos to Accra Ghana, below is the current road‑transport fares from Lagos to Accra (Ghana) with major operators, price ranges, booking channels:

• ABC Transport: ₦66,000 – ₦88,000 per one‑way ticket
• GIGM (God Is Good Motors): ₦67,000 – ₦90,000 per one‑way ticket
• Chisco Transport: ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 per one‑way ticket
• Efex Executive Transport: ₦64,500 – ₦72,000 per one‑way ticket
• Cross Country Transport: ₦71,000 – ₦82,000 per one‑way ticket
• Guo Transport: ₦78,000 – ₦91,000 per one‑way ticket

Tickets can also be compared and booked through our platform.

Health Formalities: Yellow Fever

• Yellow Fever:
  • Mandatory for all travellers ≥ 9 months old.
  • Must be administered at least 10 days before departure.
  • Valid for lifetime once issued.

Note: All this documents are the official required documents but you can still enter Ghana or Togo any time any day without any documents, just follow a reliable transport company and your good to go.

Best transport companies that will take you to Ghana

To excape searching and harassment when traveling from Nigeria to Ghana by road, you need to use reliable transport company! For the best transport company that will ensure you have a smooth traveling experience check this:

GIGM (God Is Good Motors)

traveling with God is good motors will cover you up for any search or harassment at the checking point.

• They have Online booking  gigm.com.
• Premium buses: Wi‑Fi, AC, onboard toilet.
• Fares: ₦90,000–₦220,000 one‑way (Lagos–Accra).

ABC Transport:

Abc motors is another transport company that very much reliable for traveling form Lagos to Acrra without any issue.

• • You can book from our website of book via https://www.abctransport.com/
  • Standard and VIP services.
  • Departs from major cities: Lagos to Acrra Ghana.

Travel Time: 18–24 hours, depending on border queues. Pack snacks and water; rest stops every 3–4 hours.

Travel By Sea (Unity Line Ferry)

Still thinking of how to travel from Nigeria to Ghana by road without international passport, travel by water using Unity line boats is one of the best way. To travel by water follow this steps

Route: Lagos–Cotonou port–Tema (Ghana).

Booking: Go to Mile 2 water side and asked for boat moving to Cotonou

Check‑in: Closes 30 minutes before departure.

Experience: Slower (2–3 days) but scenic; cabins available on request

From Cotonou you can enter Ghana.

Accommodation in Ghana

• Domestic Transport:
  • “Trotro” minibuses for short hops (e.g., Accra–Kumasi).
  • Uber and Bolt available in major cities.
• Staying Connected:
  • Wi‑Fi in most hotels; café hotspots in Accra.
• Where to Stay:
  • Budget hostels: ₦70,000–₦100,000 per night.
  • Mid‑range hotels: ₦150,000–₦300,000 per night.
  • Book via Booking.com or Expedia for free cancellation.

Final Practical Tips

• Be Polite & Patient: A friendly greeting (“Ma’am/Sir”) goes a long way.
• Document Copies: Carry laminated photocopies of all key documents if you have them.
• Emergency Contacts: Note the Nigerian High Commission in Accra: +233 30 222 3333.
• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at rural crossings; follow local customs.

Armed with the right documents, health certificates, transport bookings, and on‑ground tips, you can confidently navigate the Nigeria–Ghana corridor without a standard international passport. So, basically this is How to travel from Nigeria to Ghana by road without international passport, Safe travels!

For safety tips while traveling check this 10 Safety Tips You Should Follow When Traveling to a new area