Ghana has missed the opportunity to join Benin, Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles as one of the few African countries offering full visa-free access to all Africans. The latest Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) Report highlighted the progress made in easing travel restrictions across the continent, yet some countries are still behind in fully opening their borders to African travelers. While a growing number of nations have embraced visa-free policies, others maintain strict entry requirements that hinder seamless mobility across Africa.
The report, launched in Gaborone, Botswana, revealed that 28% of intra-African travel is now visa-free, an improvement from 20% in 2016. Additionally, 25% of travel allows for visas on arrival, while 47% of African travelers still require a visa before departure, a slight increase from 2023. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ranks highest in regional visa openness with a score of 0.629, followed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at 0.547.
Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles emerged as the most open countries, offering visa-free access to all Africans. Notably, Sierra Leone recorded the biggest improvement, expanding visa-free entry from 13 countries in 2023 to 15 in 2024. However, Ghana, despite its strong advocacy for African integration, did not feature among the top-ranking nations for visa-free access.
The report emphasizes the need for African nations to remove visa requirements, expand affordable e-visa systems, and improve reciprocity to enhance trade, tourism, and labor mobility. It also aligns visa-free access with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging governments to eliminate travel barriers to unlock economic opportunities across the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of RDRI, called on African leaders to take decisive steps toward full visa-free travel.
“You and I are starting a movement today. We shall advocate for visa-free access across Africa. When we come back next year to launch the 10th edition of AVOI, each one of you will testify to progress made, thanks to championing free movement,” she stated.
With the push for greater mobility gaining momentum, Ghana faces growing pressure to align with the continent’s vision of seamless travel and economic integration.
