Ghana announces visa-free travel to Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Ghanaian passport holders can now travel to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda without first obtaining entry visas.

The Ministry said the development follows the ratification by Ghana’s Parliament and the entry into force of visa waiver agreements between Ghana and the three countries.

The arrangements apply to holders of ordinary, service and diplomatic passports.

Under the agreements, Ghanaian travellers can stay in the Maldives and Zambia for up to 30 days without a visa, while those travelling to Antigua and Barbuda can stay for a maximum of 90 days.

The Ministry, however, stressed that visa-free travel does not exempt travellers from complying with other immigration and entry requirements in their destination countries.

“visa-free entry does not exempt them from complying with the immigration and entry requirements of the country of destination,” it stated.

Ghanaian travellers are required to carry a valid passport and any other documents that may be required by the relevant authorities. They must also ensure that they do not exceed the stipulated period of stay.

The Ministry further clarified that the visa waiver does not automatically permit travellers to work, study or reside in the destination countries.

“Travellers intending to undertake employment, study, residence or any other activity for which a permit or specific authorisation is required must obtain the appropriate approval from the relevant authorities.”

It has therefore advised travellers to confirm the latest entry, health and other requirements with the relevant authorities or the nearest Ghanaian embassy or high commission before travelling, noting that such requirements may change.

The new arrangements form part of Ghana’s efforts to facilitate the movement of its citizens and deepen bilateral relations with partner countries.

Ghana and Zambia signed a visa waiver agreement during President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia in February 2026. The agreement covered holders of ordinary, service and diplomatic passports and was among several bilateral instruments signed by the two countries.

Ghana also signed a visa waiver agreement with Antigua and Barbuda in September 2025 covering ordinary, service and diplomatic passport holders, as part of efforts to facilitate mobility and strengthen relations between Ghana and the Caribbean nation.

The Ministry said the arrangements reaffirm its commitment to “facilitating the movement of Ghanaian citizens and strengthening Ghana’s bilateral relations with partner countries.”