Cabinet Approves Visa Waiver Deals for Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda

The Cabinet of Ghana has approved three new visa waiver agreements, paving the way for Parliament to ratify arrangements that will allow visa-free travel between Ghana and the partner countries.

The countries covered are the Maldives, Zambia, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the decision in Accra, explaining that the agreements—signed during earlier diplomatic engagements—will take effect once approved by Parliament.

Under the arrangements, holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports will be allowed visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days.

The minister said government will continue pursuing additional visa waiver agreements while strengthening the security of Ghana’s passport system.

He noted that Ghana is upgrading its passport issuance process with enhanced digital and AI-supported security features, including a new ICAO-compliant chip-embedded passport system, to reduce fraud and prevent impersonation.

According to him, the improvements make it significantly more difficult for non-citizens to obtain Ghanaian passports, ensuring only eligible citizens are issued travel documents.

Mr. Ablakwa also announced that Ghana will roll out an e-visa system next month to streamline visa processing while improving border security checks.

The system will be linked to international databases such as Interpol as well as API/PNR systems to allow authorities to conduct advanced background screening of travellers.

He further clarified Ghana’s new “free visa policy” for African citizens, explaining that it does not mean unrestricted entry.

Instead, African applicants will not pay visa fees but will still go through standard screening and approval processes.

The policy, which takes effect on May 25, 2026 (Africa Day), is expected to promote regional integration while maintaining strict security standards.