Ghana expands visa-free travel with three new partner countries

Ghana has taken a significant step toward widening its visa-free travel arrangements after the Cabinet approved agreements with the Maldives, Zambia, and Antigua and Barbuda. The deals now move to Parliament for ratification before they take full legal effect.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a Facebook post on April 22, 2026. He explained that although the Cabinet has approved the agreements, they will only become operational after parliamentary approval.

The agreements apply to holders of ordinary, service, and diplomatic passports across all partner countries and allow visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days.

Mr Ablakwa stated that Parliament is expected to consider and ratify the agreements in the coming weeks, after which implementation will begin officially.

In his post, he said: “We shall keep negotiating more Visa Waiver Agreements as we add greater value to the Ghanaian Passport,” adding that the government will also tighten security measures within the passport acquisition system to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s travel documents.

The arrangement with the Maldives dates back to March 2023, when both countries signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement. Maldivian authorities had earlier signaled readiness for implementation, pending Ghana’s formal activation. The latest Cabinet approval now clears Ghana’s side for execution after parliamentary ratification.

The Zambia agreement was reached following President John Dramani Mahama’s official visit to Lusaka in February 2026. During that visit, a Memorandum of Understanding covering all categories of passports was signed, marking a key milestone in bilateral relations between both countries.

The Antigua and Barbuda agreement was concluded during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2025, as part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic engagements with Caribbean states.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ghana has now concluded 15 visa waiver agreements since the current administration assumed office, with the latest three pending parliamentary ratification.

He noted that the policy direction is aimed at enhancing the value of the Ghanaian passport while deepening trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties with partner countries.

With Cabinet approval secured, attention now turns to Parliament for final approval before the agreements enter into force.