In an announcement brimming with optimism, South African Airways (SAA) joyfully highlights a significant development in travel between South Africa and Ghana: the visa requirements have been cast aside, granting citizens of both nations the privilege of seamless and visa-free journeys.
This groundbreaking transformation is the result of a mutually beneficial visa waiver agreement inked between the governments of South Africa and Ghana. Effective from the 1st of November 2023, ordinary passport holders from these countries are the primary beneficiaries.
Under this agreement, travelers can traverse both countries with exceptional ease. They can transit through, embark from, or dwell within the borders of South Africa and Ghana for a cumulative period of up to 90 days without the cumbersome process of obtaining a visa. It’s a refreshing leap forward for those wishing to explore the beauty and culture of these two African nations. However, it’s important to note that should the 90-day window be exhausted within a 12-month span, passport holders will need to embark on the visa application process to access South Africa.
South African Airways (SAA), a leading carrier connecting these two nations, conducts flights between Johannesburg and Accra on a tri-weekly basis. These flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, ensuring that travelers have convenient options to plan their journeys.
SAA’s interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, who also wears the hat of the recently elected deputy chairperson of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), expressed his enthusiasm for this landmark development. “The move is good news for the promotion of intra-African connectivity and the development of tourism and trade on the continent. Making possible the ease of travel within Africa is aligned with the call by AASA, amongst other industry bodies,” he affirmed. This gesture signifies a pivotal step towards fostering greater unity and prosperity within the African continent, facilitating a new era of travel, trade, and cultural exchange.