Ghana is set to grant visa-free access to all African passport holders, becoming the fifth African nation to implement such a policy, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
The new policy will take effect on May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day celebrations, according to Business Insider.
The announcement was made during the state visit of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and builds upon an earlier initiative by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who had pledged visa-free travel for Africans during his final State of the Nation Address in January 2025.
That initiative, however, did not come into effect before the end of his administration.
Under the updated framework, Ghana joins Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles as the only African countries providing visa-free entry to all African nationals.
The reform eliminates the requirement for pre-arrival visas, representing a significant change to Ghana’s immigration and travel regulations.
The visa-free arrangement will coincide with the launch of Ghana’s new e-visa system next month, which aims to streamline entry procedures while maintaining robust border security.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa noted that the policy reinforces Ghana’s historical role as the cradle of Pan-Africanism, while also promoting tourism and intra-African trade.
Since 2025, Ghana has negotiated 23 visa waiver agreements for its citizens, expanding travel opportunities for Ghanaian passport holders.
Officials anticipate that the introduction of visa-free entry for Africans will enhance mobility, boost business and leisure travel, and support regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
Ghana to grant visa-free entry to all African nationals
