Ghana Approves Visa Waiver Agreements with Three Countries

Ghana’s government has approved new visa waiver agreements with Antigua and Barbuda, Maldives, and Zambia. The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who indicated that the agreements are part of efforts to strengthen international relations and expand travel access for Ghanaian citizens.

Under the new arrangements, Ghanaian passport holders, as well as citizens of the three countries, will be allowed to travel without visas for up to 30 days per visit.

The agreements apply to all categories of passports, including:

• Ordinary passports

• Service passports

• Diplomatic passports

However, the agreements are yet to be ratified by Parliament, which is expected to complete the process in the coming weeks.

According to the Foreign Minister, Ghana will continue to pursue similar agreements to enhance the global mobility of its citizens. The broader goal is to increase the value of the Ghanaian passport while also tightening security protocols surrounding passport acquisition.

The announcement has also revived discussions around the difference between visa waiver agreements and full visa-free access. Minister Ablakwa has previously clarified that the two are not the same.

A visa waiver agreement typically allows travellers to enter a country without obtaining a visa beforehand, but under specific conditions such as limited duration of stay or predefined categories. In contrast, visa-free entry generally offers broader and less conditional access, often without the need for prior approvals or restrictions tied to bilateral arrangements.

The latest agreements signal Ghana’s continued efforts to expand travel opportunities, strengthen diplomatic ties, and position its passport more competitively on the global stage. If ratified, the policy is expected to make short-term travel between Ghana and the three countries simpler and more accessible for citizens on both sides.