Ghana Unveils 5-Day Visa Scheme to Encourage Tourism and Foreign Investment

The Government of Ghana has launched a new initiative to significantly speed up the visa application process, reducing the processing time from the previous 4 to 6 weeks down to just five working days. This change is part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance its appeal as a top destination for both business and leisure travel in Africa.

The new policy, announced by Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is effective immediately. It aims to remove bureaucratic barriers and make the visa application process more efficient, allowing Ghana to remain competitive on the global stage. The Minister highlighted that the policy would improve Ghana’s ability to attract both foreign investors and international tourists by offering a streamlined and timely experience for visa applicants.

“This decision marks a significant step in our effort to position Ghana as the leading business, tourism, and investment hub in Africa. By reducing the lengthy visa processing times, we are making it easier for international travelers and investors to come to Ghana and take advantage of the exciting opportunities we offer,” stated Minister Ablakwa.

In a statement on social media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared that steps have already been taken to implement the new expedited system at Ghana’s diplomatic missions worldwide. New systems are now in place to ensure that the five-day processing timeline is adhered to consistently across all of Ghana’s embassies and consulates. The Ministry stressed that this change is meant to enhance service delivery and simplify the entire visa application experience for foreign nationals looking to visit Ghana.

The change in policy follows an earlier commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2025, when he publicly declared that “Ghana is open for business.” The new visa timeline is a direct response to that call, making the country more accessible to investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists who are increasingly seeking opportunities in the growing Ghanaian economy.

“By eliminating long delays and cutting through red tape, we are creating an environment that welcomes investors, tourists, and the Ghanaian diaspora,” Minister Ablakwa explained. “We want to ensure that Ghana remains a preferred destination for business and leisure alike, and this new visa policy is just one step in our ongoing efforts to create a more dynamic and open economy.”

However, while the processing time has been reduced, the Ministry clarified that the new policy does not guarantee automatic visa approval. Each application will still be thoroughly reviewed, and a decision regarding eligibility will be made within the five-day period.

“The five-day timeline refers to the decision-making process for granting or denying a visa. We will continue to evaluate applications based on established criteria, but the processing time will now be much faster,” the Ministry clarified in a Facebook post.

The introduction of this new visa policy is expected to have a positive impact on a number of key sectors. In addition to attracting more tourists, the expedited visa system is designed to make Ghana a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). Many potential investors have expressed frustration in the past over the long delays involved in securing a visa, and this new policy aims to alleviate that barrier.

Additionally, the policy is likely to foster greater engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora, many of whom have long sought easier access to their home country for both personal and business reasons. By creating a more accessible environment for these groups, the government hopes to further boost the nation’s economic development.

“We are committed to creating an environment where the world can come to Ghana with ease,” Minister Ablakwa concluded. “This is part of our broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s position as a beacon of opportunity in Africa.”

With the new visa policy in place, Ghana is poised to strengthen its reputation as a fast-growing economy that values investment, tourism, and international partnerships. The policy’s immediate effects will likely set the stage for further reforms aimed at fostering even greater economic growth and international collaboration in the coming years.