Ghana has introduced a new visa policy, cutting the maximum processing time for applications to five business days. This initiative aims to boost the country’s appeal to international investors and tourists.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a major reform regarding the processing of visa applications to Ghana. From now on, all applications will be processed within a maximum of five business days.
This measure takes effect immediately, significantly shortening the previous processing times, which ranged from four to six weeks on average.
Attractiveness objective: Making access to Ghana easier
This initiative directly responds to President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge during his inaugural address on January 7, 2025, where he declared that “Ghana is open for business.”
“At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are determined to offer practical meaning through expedited consular facilitation and policy coherence to fully achieve the President’s vision,” said Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Ghanaian diplomacy has taken steps to ensure the effective implementation of this new directive, aiming to “positioning Ghana as the preferred destination for investors and tourists by making Ghana strongly competitive and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks.”
Faster visa processing, but not automatic
However, Minister Ablakwa clarified that the new policy does not mean visas will be granted automatically.
“I must however add that this 5-day visa processing policy does not by any stretch of imagination mean automatic visa approval; a decision will be made within 5 working days as to whether one is eligible for a Ghanaian visa or not,” the minister cautioned.
Each application will continue to be carefully reviewed to ensure that all eligibility and security requirements are fully met. The five-day window refers to the decision-making timeline—whether positive or negative—guaranteeing speed and efficiency without compromising national security.
The minister concluded by encouraging international investors and tourists to explore Ghana’s cultural and economic richness: “Ghana is truly open for business. Come enjoy the Black Star experience.”
A major boost for Ghana’s economy and tourism
By drastically reducing visa processing times, Ghana aims to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for business and tourism on the global stage. This ambitious policy is part of a broader economic development strategy designed to remove traditional administrative obstacles and boost international trade and tourism.
Ghana is also working toward implementing an electronic visa (e-Visa) system and has recently reintroduced, on a temporary basis, the visa-on-arrival option, allowing visitors to obtain their visa directly at the airport without prior application.
