Ghana is set to open its borders further to the continent, with President John Dramani Mahama announcing the introduction of a free visa regime for all African nationals as part of efforts to deepen regional integration and economic cooperation.

The policy, which takes effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with Africa Day, will allow Africans travelling to Ghana to obtain e-visas at no cost, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration framework.

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

He explained that the initiative would be anchored on a new electronic visa platform expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, aimed at simplifying entry processes while enhancing border management.

“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 indicated that the visa policy forms part of broader government efforts to promote mobility across the continent and support the African Continental Free Trade Area by easing the movement of people alongside goods and services.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would intensify diplomatic engagements to secure additional visa waiver agreements for Ghanaian passport holders, in a bid to ensure reciprocal travel benefits for citizens.

The announcement comes as Ghana and Zimbabwe move to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with the two countries signing 10 memoranda of understanding covering key areas of mutual interest.

Facts about Ghana’s new Free Visas for Africans Policy as announced by President Mahama:

The foreign affair Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Friday 3rd April 2026 has clarify the free visa policy further and everything you need to know.

Here is what he say:

• Africans will not pay visa fees;
• Not paying visa fees does not mean you will not go through visa screening. Africans will still have to go through a visa application process like everyone else just that theirs would be gratis;
• Government is also introducing an e-Visa policy next month;
• The Free Visa for Africans is a component of the e-Visa initiative;
• All applicants including Africans will have to apply for visas through the e-Visa platform;
• The novel e-Visa system shall be linked to Ghana’s newly established API-PNR system and other international crime database which allows our consular officers to check background of applicants and provide appropriate vetting to ensure Ghana’s security is not compromised;

• People with criminal or deemed unsatisfactory records will not be admitted into Ghana;

• Not paying visa fees is not the same as automatic entry into Ghana. There shall be no automatic and unvetted entries.
• Adequate investments have been made by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Interior and Transport to ensure a robust and technologically advanced architecture is in place;

According to the Minister, though former President Nana Akufo-Addo announced a Free Visa for Africans policy in 2024, that could not commence because the mechanisms and security safeguards had not yet been put in place. As President Mahama indicated yesterday, Ghana is now ready to launch an e-Visa platform for all applicants across the world and a Free Visa for Africans policy from Africa Day which is May 25, 2026 fully anchored on appropriate security and technological frameworks.

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