Forget embassies, forget paperwork entering Ghana has just become incredibly easy. Its all thanks to Ghana’s new e-visa system which represents another technological leap for Ghana and its citizens worldwide.
Here’s all you need to know about the e-visa system, why its been implemented and who can use it:
What’s new about Ghana’s e-visa system?
Until now, you had to visit Ghana Embassies and Consulates around the globe and submit a visa application. Now, 30+ nationalities are able to process their visas through Ghana’s Immigration Services portal where you pay your fee, upload all your documentation and it’s done.
Here are some of the changes:
- Online processing of applications : Citizens applying for business or tourist visas will no longer be required to go to the Embassy/Consulate or be interviewed.
- Transparent fees : You are given details of visa charges before you proceed with the payment.
- Issuance of e-visa : Once your application is successful, you receive a digital visa that is linked to your passport in a PDF format.
- Valid only for air transit into Accra : While you can now use e-visa for air transit into Accra, it’s not applicable for entry into Ghana via land.
The system is already available for residents in 30+ countries including the USA, China, the UK, India, Australia, Canada and most European countries.
Why has Ghana implemented a new e-visa system?
Ghana has enjoyed economic growth but the country’s old paper visa system had become outdated and had negative impacts. The issues associated with the paper-based system include:
- Business Transactions : Some investors refused to trade with Ghana since it was too much hassle and opted for countries like Kenya or Rwanda instead.
- Loss of Tourism : Income Many tourists who had intended to visit Ghana did not, since Ghana’s visa process was complex.
- Need for Modernization ; Ghana’s trading partners had already embraced e-visa systems so Ghana wanted to keep up.
The ultimate aim of implementing this system is to increase revenue for Ghana. Apparently, the Ghana Immigration Service was losing a lot of cash daily due to its old systems.
Who benefits from Ghana’s e-visa system?
- Business professionals : Visa processing is much quicker, taking between 3-5 days to the initial 3 weeks it took before.
- Ghanaians abroad : Ghanaian citizens can now get their visas easily for family and remittances and will no longer find it difficult to re-enter their country.
- Ghana’s tourism industry : This is expected to lead to an increase in the flow of tourists in Ghana.
- Ghana Immigration Service : This enables easier processing of visa application and approval as well as helps minimize corruption.
- Africa as a whole : It is hoped this will be the foundation of a pan-African, digitally processed visa system.
Please Note:
- Air travel into Accra only This system enables the air traveler to arrive only through the Kotoka International Airport, Accra. Land transit still requires an earlier processed visa.
- Visa application prior to travel There is no ‘on-arrival’ visa policy and an application must be made prior to traveling into Ghana.
- Security checks still in place This is not an automatic entry into the country and traditional security checks will still be performed.
The e-visa is a step forward and would probably attract both businessmen and tourists. To learn more, visit the Ghana Immigration Services website where information concerning the e-visa is readily available. It is important to contact your nearest Ghana Embassy/Immigration Service prior to travel for any updates in the visa policy.