Omanghana
The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has urged the government to reconsider the country’s $260 e-visa fee, warning that the cost could discourage international visitors and weaken Ghana’s competitiveness as a tourist destination.
Federation President Seth Ocran welcomed the introduction of online visa applications but said the benefits of a simpler process risked being undermined by high charges.
Speaking to Citi News, he explained that the system removes the inconvenience of travelling to embassies and high commissions, while its pricing creates a significant expense for families and groups.
At the standard rate, a family of four requiring visas would pay $1,040 before purchasing flights or paying for accommodation and other travel expenses.
Ghana’s official e-visa portal lists three processing options: $260 for standard applications processed within 96 hours, $338 for priority processing within 48 hours, and $442 for express processing within five hours. The portal states that fees depend on processing speed rather than nationality. Official Electronic Visa Application Portal
Ocran also raised concerns about the single-entry limitation, arguing that more accessible multiple-entry visas would help attract visitors. He said competing destinations offered lower entry costs and urged authorities to consider the wider economic benefits of increased tourist arrivals.
Beyond visa reform, GHATOF is advocating greater use of digital technology and virtual tourism experiences to showcase Ghana’s heritage, culture and investment opportunities. Ocran called for closer cooperation between policymakers and tourism businesses to expand the sector’s contribution to employment and commerce.
Source: Omanghana
