Ghana Announces Visa-free Entry For All African Passport Holders

Ghana has announced plans to grant visa-free access to all African passport holders, in a landmark move aimed at boosting regional integration, tourism, and intra-African trade.

The policy, unveiled by President John Mahama, is scheduled to take effect from May 25, coinciding with the celebration of Africa Day.

The announcement was made during the first state visit of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Ghana, and later confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa.

With the new policy, Ghana will become the fifth African country to allow visa-free entry to all African nationals, joining countries such as Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda and Seychelles.

The initiative eliminates the requirement for pre-arrival visas, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s immigration policy and travel framework.

The move builds on an earlier announcement by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who had proposed visa-free travel for African passport holders in his final State of the Nation Address in January 2025. However, the policy was not implemented before the end of his administration.

Authorities disclosed that the visa-free regime will be integrated into a broader immigration reform, including the rollout of a new e-visa platform expected to launch next month.

According to Ablakwa, the initiative was part of efforts to position Ghana as a hub for Pan-African cooperation and economic activity.

“The policy is aimed at reinforcing the country’s position as the cradle of Pan-Africanism while unlocking gains in tourism and intra-African trade through the reform,” Ablakwa said.

The Ghanaian government believed the policy will enhance mobility across the continent and support broader frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Officials said the move was expected to drive growth in tourism, facilitate business travel, and deepen economic ties among African nations.

In addition, the Foreign Ministry revealed that Ghana has negotiated 23 visa waiver agreements for its citizens since last year, further expanding travel opportunities for Ghanaians across the globe.