Recently, several African countries have signed agreements to facilitate the free movement of people across their borders. These countries include Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and theUgandaand the Ghana and theSouth Africa. These agreements will enable ordinary citizens to travel between these countries without needing a visa, or at no cost.
DRC and Uganda strengthen bilateral relations
At the 8th ordinary session of the high-level Joint Commission between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda, held in Kinshasa from October 12 to 14, the Congolese government stressed the need to strengthen fraternal relations between the Congolese and Ugandan peoples. The two countries agreed to abolish entry fees for visas to promote the free movement of people.
Military and security cooperation
Among the subjects also agreed at this Commission:
- Securing and demarcating common borders
- Neutralization of armed groups hostile to both countries
- Combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons
- Repatriation of refugees
- Decentralized cooperation between decentralized territorial entities bordering the DRC and Uganda
At the end of their working sessions, the 2 parties noted with satisfaction the efforts made to implement the recommendations of the seventh session of the Joint High-Level Commission between the DRC and Uganda, held in Kampala 5 years ago. Accordingly, the DRC and Uganda agreed to set up a permanent joint follow-up committee within 3 months to implement the recommendations of this eighth session.
Ghana and South Africa reach visa waiver agreement
Ghana and South Africa have also signed an agreement enabling visa-free entry for holders of ordinary passports of the 2 countries. This exemption authorizes a stay of 90 days per year. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the agreement will come into force on 1 January.er November. Travelers will be able to transit, depart and stay in both countries for 90 days without needing a work permit.
Ghana and South Africa have granted visa free access to citizens of both countries. pic.twitter.com/ZuJEYzjztN
- Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) October 14, 2023
Impact on citizens of both countries
Previously, Ghanaians were not eligible for a visa on arrival, and had to apply for and obtain a visa from the South African embassy in Accra. With this new agreement, travelers are relieved to no longer have to go through the stressful process of obtaining a visa. The comedian OB Amponsah expressed his frustration with previous visa procedures when he missed the opportunity to travel to South Africa for a festival in Bloemfontein. He sees the new 90-day visa waiver as a positive development, even if it does not cover work-related travel.
- Visa-free travel between Ghana and South Africa for 90 days a year, even in transit
- No need to apply for a visa at the South African embassy in Accra
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