South Africa will, beginning on November 1, provide holders of Ghanaian passports with a 90-day visa exemption, thus granting them free admission.
Nigeria, on the other hand, has been ignored in this development.
Following an agreement between the governments of South Africa and Ghana, the South African High Commission in Ghana announced this decision on Friday.
This decision marks a deepening of ties and a new stage in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The statement reads, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the general public that the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of South Africa have entered into an agreement on a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passports. The agreement takes effect on November 1, 2023.”
Travelers may transit through, depart from, and stay in the territory of both countries for a cumulative period of up to ninety (90) days without recourse to work.
The traveling public is thereby advised to take note of this development.”
Holders of ordinary Ghanaian passports are allowed to stay in South Africa for a total of 90 days per year under the terms of the waiver for visa exemption, according to the official statement issued by the High Commission of the Republic of South Africa on October 13.
The Republic of South Africa will need ordinary passport holders to apply for a visa in order to enter once these 90 days have expired within a 12-month period.
This initiative is anticipated to make travel between the two countries easier, fostering tourism, commercial opportunities, and cross-cultural interactions.
In terms of South Africa’s international relations and cooperation with Ghana, this appears to be a highly positive development and could pave the way for more, more substantial diplomatic engagements in the future.