In a significant development, the governments of Ghana and South Africa have reached an agreement to implement a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Ghana made this announcement in a statement released on Friday.

According to the statement, the visa waiver agreement between the two countries will come into effect on November 1, 2023. Under this agreement, travellers with ordinary passports will be able to transit through, depart from, and stay in both Ghana and South Africa for a maximum period of ninety (90) days without the need for a visa. However, it’s important to note that this arrangement does not permit individuals to engage in any form of employment during their stay.

The Ministry advised the travelling public to take note of this development, as it will greatly facilitate travel between the two countries and enhance the ease of movement for ordinary passport holders.

In a separate statement, the South African High Commission in Ghana clarified that after the 90-day stay, ordinary passport holders will be required to apply for a visa to enter South Africa. This means that individuals must adhere to the visa requirements once their permitted stay duration has expired.

This visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. It will provide greater convenience and flexibility for ordinary passport holders travelling for various purposes.

Both governments expressed their commitment to the successful implementation of this visa waiver regime, which will contribute to fostering closer ties and cooperation between Ghana and South Africa.