Ghana to grant free visa access to all Africans starting May 25

Starting May 25, citizens of all African countries will be able to obtain an e-visa to enter Ghana free of charge. The policy, which coincides with Africa Day, was announced by President John Mahama during bilateral talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Accra this week.

It forms part of a broader initiative to boost intra-African travel, trade and tourism while reinforcing Ghana’s Pan-African credentials.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa clarified on Friday that the "free visa" does not mean automatic entry. Africans will still need to apply for an e-visa through the upcoming online platform, just like other applicants, though they will pay no fees.

"Africans will still have to go through a visa application process like everyone else — theirs would simply be gratis," Ablakwa said. He added that the free visa for Africans is integrated into Ghana’s new nationwide e-visa system, expected to launch in the coming months.

The e-Visa platform will connect to Ghana's recently established Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, as well as international crime databases, allowing consular officers to conduct thorough background checks on all applicants.

According to President Mahama, Ghana is now prepared to roll out the e-Visa platform for applicants worldwide, with the free regime for Africans set to launch fully on Africa Day, supported by robust frameworks.

If implemented as announced, Ghana will join a small group of African nations offering visa-free or free e-visa access to all African passport holders, including Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya.

The move is expected to enhance regional mobility, attract more visitors, and position Ghana as a welcoming hub for business, tourism, and cultural exchange across the continent.