Accra: Ghana's high online visa fee could undermine efforts to attract international visitors, the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has said. The Union expressed concerns that the $260 fee, which is significantly higher compared to charges in other countries within the sub-region, might negatively impact the demand for tourism services.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Yvonne Donkor, President of TOUGHA, emphasized the urgent need to review the visa fee to support the expansion of tourism products and enhance visitor experiences. Speaking on the sidelines of the Government Accountability Series after a presentation by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Donkor reiterated the importance of addressing the visa fee issue, which remains a major concern despite the Ministry's plans to extend operating hours and introduce night tours at the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.
Madam Donkor highlighted that the Ghana Immigration Service is phasing out the in-person Emergency Entry Visa, previously priced at $200, and replacing it with an online system costing $260. She warned that the increased fee could deter spontaneous travel, group tours, and repeat visits from key source markets, ultimately affecting the tourism business.
She urged the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, to reconsider the online visa fee structure to make it more competitive. A revised visa regime could enhance efforts to improve the tourism experience and elevate Ghana's attractiveness to international visitors.
In addition, Madam Donkor praised the Ministry and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) for launching night tours at Cape Coast and Elmina Castles. This initiative is expected to bolster heritage tourism and align with the Government's 24-hour economy agenda. 'TOUGHA welcomes the announcement by the Minister on the extension of operating hours and the introduction of night tours at Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and commend the GMMB for successfully piloting the night tours and leading the innovation in heritage management,' she stated.