As planned, Ghana exempts Africans from visa requirements

The dynamic West African country of Ghana๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ญ recently decided to abolish visa requirements for all African citizens. This decision.., announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addomarks a new step towards continental unity and integration.

The decision to make Ghana accessible to Africans without a visa has been announced at the beginning of the yearapproved on December 18, 2024, with implementation scheduled for early 2025. This is likely to be around January 15, 2025 and the end of the traditional "visa on arrival" period during the festive season.

This initiative positions Ghana as the 5th African country to adopt such a policy, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin in this effort to liberalize travel.

Why this decision?

  • Promoting tourism The main aim is to boost tourism by facilitating access for African visitors. It should also encourage trade and cultural exchanges across the continent, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
  • Strengthening African Unity By removing these administrative barriers, Ghana is contributing to the African Union's vision of a united Africa, where citizens can move freely to foster economic growth and regional cooperation.

This announcement represents a major saving for travellers to the continent. Currently, a Ghanaian visa costs 60 USD for a single entry and a stay limited to 30 days, and 120 USD for a multiple entry and 6-month validity.

Details of the announced visa-free policy

  • Immediate entry without visa From January 2025, African passport holders will be able to enter Ghana without the need for a visa.
  • Length of stay : The length of visa-free stay has not been explicitly detailed in the advertisements. Countries already exempted are exempted for 90 days. It is likely that the duration will be identical.

The decision has been enthusiastically welcomed by many economic and social players. Organizations such as theAfCFTA applaud this initiative as a "step in the right direction" for continental integration.

However, it remains to be seen how this policy will be put into practice, and whether it will be able to adapt to potential challenges. Countries such as Kenya had already announced similar measures.but replacing the visa with an electronic authorization that has changed nothing - if not complicated - the lives of travelers.

As a consular liaison officer, I help travelers obtain their documents from administrations around the world. I also keep up to date with the latest changes in immigration policies. Former BTS Tourism โœˆ๏ธ

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