Ghanaians Can Travel to These Three Countries Without Visa – Okudzeto Ablakwa

Ghanaian passport holders could soon be able to travel to Antigua and Barbuda, the Maldives and Zambia without obtaining visas in advance following Cabinet’s approval of proposed Visa Waiver Agreements with the three countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that the agreements would permit citizens of Ghana and the partner countries to enter one another’s territories without visas for short visits.

The proposed arrangements would apply to ordinary, service and diplomatic passport holders, allowing eligible travelers to stay for up to 30 days per visit without securing a visa beforehand.

The government believes the agreements will make international travel easier while promoting tourism, investment, trade, education and stronger relations between Ghana and the three partner countries.

However, Cabinet’s approval does not immediately bring the agreements into effect. They must first be ratified by Parliament before they become operational. If parliamentary approval is obtained, Ghanaian travelers could enjoy easier access to destinations across the Caribbean, Asia and Southern Africa.

The visa waiver initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to improve the international mobility of its citizens while expanding diplomatic, economic and social partnerships with countries in different parts of the world.

Despite efforts to facilitate travel, authorities have emphasised the need to maintain strong standards for the issuance of Ghanaian passports.

Effective identity verification and security checks will continue to be required to safeguard Ghanaian travel documents and meet international security standards.

The proposed agreements with Antigua and Barbuda, the Maldives and Zambia also reflect Ghana’s efforts to deepen ties with a broader range of countries beyond its traditional international partners.

Should Parliament ratify the agreements, Ghanaian citizens could gain visa-free access to the three countries for short stays, creating additional opportunities for tourism, business, education and cultural exchanges.