Ghana has announced plans to grant visa-free entry to all African passport holders, becoming the fifth country on the continent to adopt such a policy.
The new measure is scheduled to take effect on May 25, 2026, aligning with Africa Day celebrations.
The announcement came during the state visit of Emmerson Mnangagwa and builds on a prior commitment by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who had pledged visa-free travel for Africans in his final State of the Nation Address in January 2025, though it was not implemented before he left office.
With this move, Ghana joins Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles as countries offering visa-free access to all African nationals.
The policy removes the need for pre-arrival visas, marking a major shift in Ghana’s travel and immigration system. It will also coincide with the rollout of a new e-visa platform aimed at simplifying entry processes while maintaining border security.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa said the initiative reinforces Ghana’s longstanding role in promoting Pan-African unity, while also boosting tourism and trade across the continent.
Since 2025, Ghana has secured 23 visa waiver agreements for its citizens, expanding global travel access.
Officials expect the new visa-free policy to improve movement, encourage business and tourism, and strengthen regional integration under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area.