Ghana to grant visa-free entry to all African passport holders from May 25

Ghana will begin allowing visa-free entry for citizens of all African countries starting May 25, 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The implementation date coincides with celebrations marking Africa Day.

The policy places Ghana among a small group of African states that have opened entry to all African passport holders without pre-arrival visa requirements. It becomes the fifth country on the continent to adopt this arrangement, joining Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles.

The announcement was made during a state visit by Emmerson Mnangagwa. Officials say the decision builds on earlier plans introduced under former president Nana Akufo-Addo, who had outlined a similar visa-free direction in a previous national address, though it was not implemented before the end of his term.

Authorities have linked the new travel policy to an upcoming electronic visa platform scheduled for rollout next month. The system is expected to centralize entry processing while maintaining border oversight.

Foreign Affairs officials describe the measure as part of efforts to expand movement across the continent, alongside trade and tourism priorities connected to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Government data also indicates that Ghana has concluded 23 visa waiver agreements for its citizens over the past year, increasing outbound travel access for Ghanaian passport holders.