Ghana has launched a new electronic visa system aimed at modernising immigration services, improving travel facilitation and strengthening regional mobility across Africa.
The platform, unveiled on Africa Day in Accra by President John Dramani Mahama, allows travellers to apply for visas online as part of a broader push to digitise public services and streamline border management.
Under the new policy, African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business or tourism will be able to apply through the electronic system without paying visa fees, a move the government says is intended to promote continental integration and ease movement within Africa.
President Mahama described the initiative as a key milestone in Ghana’s transition toward a modern, technology-driven immigration system.
“We are proud today to launch a digital platform that reflects Ghana’s readiness to embrace a new era of mobility, connectivity, innovation and economic opportunity,” he said at the launch event.
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The e-visa system is designed to integrate with international security and watchlist databases, enabling authorities to conduct background checks before approving travel applications.
The president stressed that Ghana’s increased openness would not come at the expense of national security.
“Let no one misunderstand Ghana’s openness and hospitality as a relaxation of our national security obligations,” he said.
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Officials said the system will initially focus on short-term travel categories such as business and tourism, before expanding to cover work permits and residence permits.
President Mahama directed the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service to extend the platform into a full e-permitting system covering broader immigration processes.
He said the expansion would significantly reduce processing times, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
The reform is also expected to support Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda by reducing reliance on paper-based administrative systems and improving efficiency in public service delivery.
Mahama framed the initiative as part of Ghana’s contribution to African integration efforts, noting that easier movement of people is essential to boosting trade, investment and cultural exchange across the continent.
“Ghana’s doors are open, and we encourage others to open their doors as well,” he said.
The announcement comes at a time when several African countries are exploring visa facilitation reforms under the framework of the African Union and related initiatives aimed at promoting free movement of people and goods.
Analysts say such digital visa systems could help improve tourism flows, attract foreign investment and enhance regional cooperation, while also strengthening border security through improved data integration.
If fully implemented, Ghana’s e-visa platform could position the country as a regional leader in digital immigration services and support broader efforts to deepen African economic and political integration.
