• Ghana plans to introduce a fully online visa application system in early 2026

• The reform aims to speed up processing and simplify entry procedures

• Preferential conditions will apply to Africans in the diaspora

Ghanaian authorities plan to introduce an electronic visa system in the first quarter of 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said at the closing of the 2025 Diaspora Summit held last week in Accra.

The e-visa system will allow foreign travelers to submit visa applications entirely online, reducing reliance on in-person procedures at embassies and consulates. The objective is to shorten processing times, simplify administrative steps, and improve the overall experience for visitors traveling to Ghana for tourism, business, or family reasons.

The initiative is part of a broader continental trend, as several African countries have already adopted digital visa systems to modernize public administration and boost international attractiveness. Through this project, Ghana is reaffirming its intention to use digital tools as a driver of growth, modern governance, and greater global openness.

The authorities said Africans in the diaspora will benefit from preferential conditions, particularly with regard to visa fees. The government aims to strengthen historical, cultural, and economic ties between Ghana and African communities abroad.

A reciprocity principle will also apply, with visa fees adjusted based on how Ghanaian nationals are treated in the destination countries concerned.

Adoni Conrad Quenum