Cabinet has given the green light for a new electronic visa system, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, with implementation expected to begin within weeks.
Announcing the decision in a Facebook post on Saturday, the Minister stated, “Cabinet has approved our new e visa policy. The e visa regime covers those travelling to Ghana for business and tourism.”
The initiative was first unveiled by John Dramani Mahama on April 2, 2026, during a state visit by Emmerson Mnangagwa. He indicated that from May 25, 2026, African travellers would be able to apply for visas online at no cost, in commemoration of Africa Day.
Mr Ablakwa described the policy as part of a broader effort to reposition Ghana’s economic and diplomatic outlook.
“When others make you feel unwelcome, Ghana says this is your home to invest and to enjoy the beauty of nature,” he wrote, adding that the initiative combines openness with robust security through the use of technology.
He noted that the platform will be integrated with Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, as well as international crime databases, to enable pre-arrival background checks.
The Minister clarified that although visa fees will be waived for African travellers, the application and vetting process will remain in place.
“Africans will still have to go through a visa application process like everyone else, theirs would simply be gratis,” he explained.
Currently, African Union passport holders who obtain visas on arrival pay 150 dollars for a 30-day stay. Under the new policy, that cost will be eliminated, though applicants will still be required to complete the necessary procedures.
With the rollout of the e visa system, Ghana is expected to join countries such as Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda and Seychelles in offering visa-free or fee-free access to African nationals, reinforcing its position as an accessible destination for travel and investment.
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