GHATOF calls for review of $260 e-visa fee to boost tourism

The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is calling on the government to reconsider Ghana’s $260 e-visa fee, warning that the high cost could deter international tourists and hamper efforts to expand the tourism sector.

GHATOF President, Seth Ocran, acknowledged that the introduction of the e-visa system is a positive development, as it eliminates the need for travellers to visit embassies and high commissions in person. However, he said the fee and the single-entry restriction make Ghana less competitive than other destinations in the sub-region.

According to Mr Ocran, a family of four would have to spend more than $1,000 on visa fees alone, while some neighbouring countries charge between $50 and $60.

He believes reducing the fee and offering more accessible multiple-entry visa options could help Ghana increase annual tourist arrivals from the current estimated 1.2–1.3 million to about two million.

Beyond visa reforms, GHATOF is also advocating greater use of digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote Ghana as a tourism destination globally.

Speaking in line with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” Mr Ocran proposed creating virtual tourism experiences that would enable people around the world to explore Ghana’s cultural and historical attractions remotely.

He said such platforms could be particularly useful to members of the African diaspora who wish to reconnect with their heritage, while also promoting Ghana’s culture, cuisine and investment opportunities to a wider international audience.

Mr Ocran further welcomed the partnership between the World Tourism Day celebrations and the Eastern Expo, describing it as an example of how tourism can contribute to investment and commercial activity beyond traditional sightseeing.

He noted that the tourism sector provides hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and called for stronger collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders to maximise its economic contribution.

He said tourism, when supported through broader collaboration and sustained dialogue, could become a major driver of investment and commerce in Ghana.