By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Effective today May 25, all holders of African passports traveling to Ghana for business or tourism will pay no visa fees when applying through the country’s newly launched e-visa platform, President John Dramani Mahama said on Monday.
Speaking during the official launch of the e-visa platform, the president announced that the policy takes immediate effect.
Under the policy, the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement for African travelers has been discontinued and replaced with the electronic visa regime and that African travelers must now apply online through the new e-visa system.
Also, visa application fees for African passport holders have been completely waived.
“Effective today, all holders of African passports traveling to Ghana for business or tourism will apply for visas via the new online e-visa platform, and they will pay no visa fee,” said President Mahama.
According to him, the electronic visa system will enable travelers from around the world to apply for visas online without having to visit embassies or consulates in person.
He explained that under the new arrangement, travelers will have to upload their supporting documents electronically, make their secure digital payments, and receive travel authorization on their phones or emails.
According to the government, the move is aimed at promoting intra-African travel and trade, supporting continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting tourism and investment, and modernising border management through digital systems.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the e-visa platform is integrated with passenger information and international crime databases to strengthen security screening. He stressed that free visas do not mean automatic entry into Ghana.
Citizens of African countries that already have visa-waiver agreements with Ghana will continue to enjoy visa-free entry without needing to apply through the e-visa system.
The initiative places Ghana among a growing number of African countries easing travel restrictions across the continent, alongside nations such as Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles and The Gambia. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
