Ghana to grant free visas to all Africans from May 25 — President Mahama announces

Ghana is set to deepen its commitment to continental integration with the introduction of a free visa regime for all African nationals, as President John Dramani Mahama moves to expand mobility and economic cooperation across the continent.

The policy, which will take effect on May 25, 2026, to mark Africa Day, will allow African travellers to obtain e-visas at no cost under a new digital platform expected to be rolled out next month.

President Mahama announced the initiative during a state visit by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, describing it as a strategic step to strengthen Ghana’s position as a hub for Pan-Africanism, tourism and intra-African trade.

“I’m also pleased to announce that, effective 25th May 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans traveling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge.

“But between Ghana and Zimbabwe, we have a visa-free environment already. You can travel to each other’s countries without needing a visa. You just hop onto the plane and arrive in each other’s country,” he said.

The President noted that the policy would be implemented alongside broader reforms to modernise Ghana’s immigration processes, with the e-visa system expected to simplify entry procedures while improving efficiency.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would intensify efforts to negotiate additional visa waiver agreements to ensure Ghanaian passport holders enjoy similar travel privileges across the continent.

The announcement builds on Ghana’s recent steps towards visa liberalisation. In January 2025, the country introduced visa-free travel for holders of African passports under a policy initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

With the AfCFTA Secretariat based in Accra, the latest move is expected to reinforce Ghana’s role in advancing regional economic integration by facilitating the free movement of people, goods and services.

Analysts say the free visa regime could significantly boost tourism arrivals, stimulate cross-border trade and enhance investment flows, particularly if supported by efficient digital systems and strong bilateral cooperation frameworks.

The announcement also coincided with renewed diplomatic engagement between Ghana and Zimbabwe, with the two countries signing 10 memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation across key sectors.