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The government of Ghana has declared that from December 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, visitors are not need to have a pre-travel visa.
All visitors to Ghana would receive visas upon arrival during that time.
The government’s 10-year ‘Beyond The Return’ campaign, which aims to encourage Africans in the diapora to visit Ghana, includes the pre-travel visa waiver.
According to a Ministry of Transport statement: “Following consultation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for the Interior, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Tourism Authority, approval has been given for passengers travelling to Ghana to opt for visa-on-arrival waiving the requirement for prior approval.”
“This arrangement is effective from 1 December 2023 to 15 January 2024.”
“Consequently, it would be appreciated if systems are updated to reflect this new arrangement and those responsible for checking-in passengers travelling to Ghana advised not to insist on entry visas prior to their boarding.”
Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s minister of foreign affairs, stated about two weeks ago that the country was “seriously” considering granting visa-free travel to all Africans and those of African heritage living abroad.
Currently, the only African nations that allow all citizens to enter without a visa are Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.
The Ghanaian government would shortly make an announcement in that regard, Ms. Botchwey informed the local media.
“It is something that we are seriously thinking about because I know that Rwanda has announced, Kenya is also looking into it. We are also going to be looking into it seriously for our fellow Africans and also those of African descent in the diaspora”, she said.
“We want to be able to attract them — Year of Retun, Beyond The Return — and they come inntheir numbers to Ghana, because now Ghana has become that pilgrimage country for them to touch base with the motherland”, Ms Botchwey noted.
“And, so, it is something that we are seriously thinking about and we are actually on the drawing board looking at it. It is not just the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but the Interior, Tourism, we are all looking at it and we will come out very soon”, she hinted.
Read the full statement below:
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
