Ghana, Russia Sign First Visa Waiver Deal for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders
The landmark agreement will ease official travel for eligible Ghanaian and Russian officials while paving the way for broader visa privileges and stronger bilateral cooperation.
- Ghana and Russia sign historic visa waiver deal
- Diplomatic, service passport holders to benefit
- Countries plan broader visa privileges
Ghana and Russia have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement allowing holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries to travel without visas for official purposes.
The agreement marks the first visa waiver arrangement between Ghana and Russia since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1958.
The deal is expected to ease official travel for eligible Ghanaian and Russian officials while strengthening diplomatic engagement and cooperation between the two countries.
It was signed during a three-day official visit to Russia by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following an invitation from his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
Mr Ablakwa described the agreement as historic, noting that it represents a significant step in deepening bilateral relations between Ghana and Russia.
The Minister said both countries would continue negotiations to expand visa privileges to other categories of travellers as they seek to promote trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
The agreement forms part of broader efforts to identify new areas of strategic cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries.
During bilateral discussions, Mr Ablakwa also expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Russia for supporting and voting in favour of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel slavery the gravest crime against humanity.
