Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to uphold the dignity and respect of Ghanaian nationals seeking visas.
Speaking at a diplomatic gathering at Jubilee House on Thursday, February 27, Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern over reports of mistreatment of visa applicants at various embassies and consulates. He emphasized that all individuals applying for travel documents deserve to be treated fairly and humanely.
“We would like to entreat all Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to ensure that they treat our nationals who visit their premises in pursuit of their visa applications with dignity and respect,” he stated.
He further called on embassies to improve conditions for visa applicants by offering proper waiting areas, reasonable appointment schedules, emergency services, and resolving difficulties associated with online visa applications.
While acknowledging that some diplomatic missions have made commendable strides in refining their procedures, Mr. Ablakwa encouraged others to adopt similar measures to create a more seamless and dignified process for Ghanaians.
His remarks formed part of a broader discussion on Ghana’s foreign policy, which highlighted the significance of international partnerships, economic diplomacy, and tackling global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and food insecurity.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to multilateralism, he assured Diplomatic Missions of the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and collaboration to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations while protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on all Embassies and High Commissions in Ghana to implement fair and improved conditions for visa applicants.
This directive follows mounting concerns from Ghanaians over the treatment they receive at foreign missions.
Complaints include insufficient waiting areas, long delays in securing appointments, limited access to emergency services, and difficulties navigating visa application websites.
“The complaints cover issues such as, not providing conducive waiting areas, non-availability of emergency services, long waiting times for appointment dates as well as challenges in using visa application websites”.
In an official statement, the Ministry confirmed that it has formally reached out to all diplomatic missions, urging them to enhance conditions at their offices and visa processing centers.
It expects these missions to respond positively by making necessary improvements.
While acknowledging that embassies and high commissions have the exclusive right to grant or deny visas, the Ministry reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring a better experience for applicants.
It also stated that measures will be taken to monitor compliance with its recommendations.
A 2024 Afrobarometer report found that six out of ten Ghanaians have considered emigrating, mainly for economic opportunities.
This growing demand for visas has led to an increase in visa application centers and travel agencies, many of which focus more on processing fees than quality service.
In some cases, vulnerable applicants are taken advantage of, often with little protection.
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has promised to take action regarding the delays students are facing in obtaining expedited student visas.
Several students have voiced concerns about the long processing times, which could result in missed academic deadlines and hinder their ability to pursue education abroad. In response, they are calling for urgent intervention to resolve the delays and speed up the process.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on December 19, Stacy Comp, the Visa Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, assured Bernard Avle that she would look into the matter and ensure it is resolved. She recognized the frustration of the students and emphasized that the embassy was committed to finding a solution.
Stacy Comp also indicated that she would gather a full list of students waiting for expedited appointments to help prioritize their applications.
“I can assure you that I am going to take this issue back and go into the system and see what is going on and contact our third-party contractor to see what the problem is, and I will also ask for the list of students who have been sitting on this expedited student visa appointment queue, and then I will look at them and see if we can try to accommodate their request.
“I can only apologise for this issue with our third-party contractor and reassure you that we really appreciate the interest in studying in the United States and that the ability to have these bilateral exchanges is foundational to the US-Ghana relationship.”
Ghana has been ranked fifth on the latest Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), reflecting its commitment to fostering easier travel access across the continent.
The index, published by the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank (AfDB), measures how freely travelers can enter a country, focusing on visa policies and ease of entry.
Ghana achieved a score of 0.868, placing it just behind the top-ranked nations—Benin, Seychelles, Gambia, and Rwanda—who share the number one position. The ranking underscores Ghana’s relatively liberal approach, where travelers can either enter visa-free or obtain a visa upon arrival, unlike restrictive systems that require pre-arranged visas.
The 2024 report highlights notable progress in visa openness across Africa, with 17 countries improving their scores in the past year. This builds on the gains made in previous editions, bringing the total number of countries that have enhanced their scores since 2016 to 39. While 29 nations maintained their scores, eight saw declines.
“Visa openness across Africa is now at its highest since we began tracking it nine years ago. This reflects a shared continental effort to ease travel and promote collaboration,” remarked Nnenna Lily Nwabufo, Vice President of Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery at the AfDB.
Despite advancements, challenges remain. Many Africans still encounter significant visa barriers when traveling within the continent, hampering tourism, trade, and entrepreneurial opportunities. AU Commissioner Minata Samate Cessouma stressed the need for greater political will to address these obstacles. “While progress is evident, reluctance from some nations remains. Emerging success stories can inspire further commitments to facilitate cross-border movement, especially for business and services,” she said.
The report also sheds light on Africa’s evolving e-visa systems, noting their expansion from 24 platforms to 263 over the past year. However, inconsistencies in processes persist, ranging from straightforward digital applications to hybrid models requiring collection at entry points. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the AfDB, emphasized the need for mobility to unlock Africa’s economic potential. “To achieve industrialization and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), seamless movement of people is essential—not just for skills but for access to new jobs,” she stated.
The African Union continues to advocate for the implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, signed in 2018 by 30 countries. The protocol envisions a phased approach to movement, encompassing the right of entry, residence, and establishment, to pave the way for a truly integrated continent.
A recent U.S. government report on visa overstays for 2023 reveals that 1,910 Ghanaians who were issued B1/B2 visas overstayed their permits, representing a 7.50% overstay rate.
This report by Customs and Border Protection highlights the issue of visa violations during the period from October 2022 to September 2023.
The data shows that out of the 25,454 B1/B2 visas issued to Ghanaians, 1,910 individuals overstayed, while 537 out of 2,559 F, M, and J visas (issued to students and exchange visitors) also resulted in overstays, accounting for a significant 21% rate.
The report, which provides a breakdown of visa violations, also notes that Ghana’s overstay rate has risen since 2019, when it stood at 5.09% for B1/B2 visas and 12.7% for student visas. This trend of increasing overstays contrasts with Nigeria’s historically higher overstay rates.
In comparison, Nigeria saw 6,000 overstays from 84,051 B1/B2 visas, with a 7.14% abuse rate. The overstay rates for students and exchange visitors in Nigeria were lower, at 15.60%, compared to Ghana’s 21%.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) classifies overstays into “Suspected In-Country Overstays,” where no departure is recorded, and “Out-of-Country Overstays,” where the individual leaves after the visa expires. The report emphasizes the complexities of determining overstays, accounting for extensions or changes in visa status.
Other African countries like Mali, Ivory Coast, and Togo also showed varying overstay rates, with Ghana’s numbers placing it among the countries with significant challenges in visa compliance.
The United States (U.S.) government has introduced visa restrictions aimed at individuals involved in actions that could undermine Ghana’s democratic processes.
This move is part of the United States’ commitment to supporting democracy worldwide and will apply to those engaged in election-related manipulation, intimidation, or violence, including certain family members of those directly involved.
Announced on the U.S. Department of State’s website, the policy underscores that these restrictions are part of Washington’s broader effort to discourage actions that could disrupt Ghana’s upcoming elections on December 7, 2024.
Under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, these restrictions target those “believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Ghana.” This includes potential sanctions for those engaged in election rigging, voter intimidation, suppression of freedoms of assembly, or other tactics that may unfairly sway electoral outcomes.
The U.S. emphasised the importance of Ghana’s history of peaceful and democratic power transitions and intends these restrictions to align with the country’s aspirations for a free, fair, and transparent election process.
The statement underscored that the policy would extend to individuals at any stage in the election cycle, before, during, or after the voting process.
“This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and allows the Department of State to implement visa restrictions for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Ghana, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; the use of violence to intimidate, coerce or prevent people from exercising their rights to freedoms of association and peaceful assembly; the use of measures designed to intimidate, coerce or prevent political party representatives, voters, or members of civil society or the media from voicing or disseminating their views; or engaging in any other activity designed to improperly influence the conduct or outcome of an election.
“ Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Persons who undermine democracy in Ghana — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Ghana’s 2024 elections may be found to be ineligible for visas under this policy,” it added.
The move has drawn support from Ghanaian leaders, including North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He welcomed the U.S. action as a critical step in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy. In a social media post, Ablakwa stated that the policy could serve as a deterrent to those considering unlawful actions during the election period. “A most welcome statement from the U.S. Secretary of State,” he wrote.
“Those misguided unpatriotic elements who think they can instigate violence, rig elections and subvert the will of the Ghanaian people only to escape with their families to other countries are very likely to rethink,” he added.
As Ghana prepares for its elections, the U.S. has reaffirmed its stance against any threats to democratic integrity, with a clear warning that those who compromise this process could face visa ineligibility.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has exposed what he describes as a $38.2 million visa processing scandal involving a contract between Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Access Citizens Services Ghana Limited.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the agreement, signed on October 2, 2024, hands the company exclusive rights to process visa applications worldwide under questionable terms.
In a post on Facebook, Ablakwa revealed that the contract raises significant concerns regarding data protection and national security. “Top diplomats and high-ranking security officials are totally outraged about the dangerous implications of the lopsided 2nd October, 2024 agreement,” he wrote.
He added that the deal forces Ghana’s diplomatic missions to transfer all front-end visa processing to Access Citizens within four months of the company establishing a Premium Application Center in the respective countries.
“The agreement raises major concerns about data protection, national security, and a crude undermining of key functions of Ghana’s diplomatic missions,” he noted.
Ablakwa disclosed that visa applicants would be charged £45 in the UK, $55 in the US, and €55 in Germany and Italy. Access Citizens is expected to rake in $38.2 million by September 2028, while Ghana’s Foreign Ministry would receive a “paltry” $2 million. He also criticized the revenue-sharing arrangement, which sees the Foreign Ministry receiving only 3% to 10% of visa fees.
He further questioned why Access Citizens was given exclusivity and alleged that the company was favored despite having no track record. “Access Citizens was incorporated on 4th October 2021—only 9 months before they were single-sourced for this contract,” Ablakwa said, adding that efforts by Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee to review the original agreement were stonewalled by the Ministry.
Ablakwa also revealed that the Ministry agreed to a confidentiality clause to keep the transaction secret, a move he deemed “most unusual for public sector agreements where transparency and accountability ought to be the hallmark.”
He concluded by commending the diplomatic missions resisting the contract, with embassies in Washington and Beijing leading the charge. The NDC caucus, he noted, would summon the Foreign Ministry and Access Citizens to address the legal and procurement violations surrounding the deal.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued strong condemnation of Pius Hadzide, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman, following controversial statements made by Hadzide regarding travel opportunities for constituents.
Ablakwa, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Hadzide’s promise to facilitate international travel for constituents if elected, describing it as a dangerous reflection of deeper issues within the current government.
In his post, Ablakwa laid out four key criticisms of what he termed the “disgraceful Pius Hadzide saga,” focusing on what he sees as the normalization of corrupt practices. He argued that cleared appointees in the NPP administration, like Hadzide, often become emboldened to commit further offenses.
“When a President clears his corrupt appointees, they will surely expose him,” Ablakwa said, implying that Hadzide’s actions and promises could have lasting consequences on Ghana’s image internationally.
Ablakwa also raised concerns about the potential impact of Hadzide’s statements on Ghanaian visa applicants. According to the MP, Hadzide’s remarks about helping constituents travel abroad may lead to increased scrutiny of Ghanaians applying for visas, as foreign embassies may view these promises with suspicion.
“Embassies are keenly following these reckless confessions from corrupt NPP officials,” Ablakwa wrote, warning that genuine applicants could face additional barriers due to the alleged “criminal visa racketeering” being promoted by the ruling party.
The controversy surrounding Hadzide began after a campaign event in which he promised voters he would use his connections to help young people travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup if elected. Hadzide’s assurances also extended to facilitating travel to other countries, including Germany, the UK, and France.
“If you, Nananom, desire for your children to travel to America to work and send money back home… I promise to support you when I become MP,” Hadzide told his supporters.
Despite the backlash, Hadzide has defended his statements, arguing that offering such opportunities to constituents is a legitimate campaign pledge. He pointed to his experience in the sports sector as a qualification that would allow him to help young Ghanaians travel abroad for major sporting events.
Ablakwa, however, was unconvinced, stating that Hadzide’s remarks highlight the government’s inability to address the root causes of youth unemployment and economic hardship.
“As CEO of the National Youth Authority under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, he confirms openly and unashamedly that they have no solutions to the misery, joblessness, and hopelessness they have created for the Ghanaian youth,” Ablakwa stated.
He concluded his post with a call for a change in leadership, expressing his frustration with the current administration’s handling of these issues. “How did Ghana get here? December 7 must come quickly!” he added, referring to the date of the next general elections.
Former Deputy Editor at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Ben Dotsei Malor, has expressed deep concerns about the current state of leadership in Ghana.
He believes that elected leaders across various institutions have let down the citizenry, contributing to widespread corruption and governance failures that are holding the country back.
In an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on July 1, marking Ghana’s Republic Day, Dotsei Malor lamented the situation where citizens resort to fasting and prayer just to secure travel visas.
“Some of the prayers we are fasting and praying for in church, if we had good leadership, we wouldn’t need to pray those prayers,” he lamented.
He emphasized that with effective leadership, such desperate measures wouldn’t be necessary.
According to him, true leaders must embody strong moral principles and essential leadership qualities to effectively serve their mandates.
He criticized the lack of personal and institutional leadership, stressing that leadership should foster growth and development at all levels of society.
Dotsei Malor underscored the critical need for effective leadership to address Ghana’s challenges, including brain drain and economic hardships.
“We have failed our people. Leadership is critically needed on personal levels, entity levels, in communities, and between you and me. Iron sharpens iron,” he stressed.
He emphasized that robust systems and structures are essential for sustainable development and to curb the recurrent issues facing the nation.
“We have failed our people. Leadership is critically needed on personal levels, entity levels, in communities, and between you and me. Iron sharpens iron,” he stressed.
Starting from June 11, 2024, adult applicants for Schengen visas will see an increase in fees from €80 to €90.
This adjustment stems from the most recent review of EU visa fees, conducted in December 2023, which is scheduled to occur every three years under the Schengen Visa Code.
The EU has aligned this increase with inflation rates and civil servants’ salaries in Member States.
The European Commission has approved a decision to raise fees for short-stay Schengen visas (visa type C) worldwide by 12%. This increase will be implemented globally as of June 11, 2024.
The last time the EU raised visa fees was in February 2020, when application costs rose from €60 to €80.
IATA warns increase in visa fees may deter tourists
While the draft law was available for public input, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published a study on the consequences of heightened visa charges for travel to the EU.
As per the findings, the escalation of visa fees would affect the affordability of travel and consequently, negatively influence the economies of the bloc by discouraging travelers and diminishing travel numbers.
A Ghanaian orthopedic surgeon with over two decades of experience has sparked controversy with a strongly-worded letter to the Spanish Embassy after his visa application to attend a medical conference in Barcelona was denied.
Dr. Agbeko Ocloo penned the letter on April 26, 2015, expressing disbelief and frustration over the embassy’s decision to reject his visa.
He questioned the embassy’s reasoning, particularly regarding concerns about the reliability of information regarding the purpose and conditions of his intended stay, as well as his commitment to leave Spain before the visa expiry.
Dr. Ocloo found these reasons personally insulting, highlighting his deep connections to Ghana, including family ties and economic investments in the country.
The surgeon also criticized Spain’s healthcare system, highlighting issues like high unemployment rates among doctors, low pay for medical professionals, and a shortage of healthcare workers.
“1. The unemployment rate in Spain presently is 25% and youth unemployment tops 50%. Why will I leave a stable job and to go and join the unemployment ranks in your country. 2. From January 2009 to end of 2013, 400,000 Spaniards emigrated to look for work outside of your country. And this is expected to rise in the coming years. 3. Doctors in Spain are the least/worst paid in the whole Euro zone. Why will I want to go work in a country where my counterparts are leaving in droves for economic reasons?” he quizzed.
He argued that his expertise would benefit Spain, even if he chose not to return to Ghana, and emphasized the economic value his attendance at the conference would have brought to Spain.
In concluding the letter, Dr. Ocloo requested a detailed explanation for the visa rejection and expressed his disappointment in the embassy’s decision. He also cc’d the Ambassador of Spain in Ghana, indicating his intention to escalate the matter.
The letter has sparked a debate on social media, with many supporting Dr. Ocloo’s frustrations and calling for a review of visa application processes for professionals from developing countries.
Entrepreneurs, the hard-working backbone of business, often find their growth prospects stunted by visa rejections, particularly depending on their region of origin.
This impediment not only limits the expansion of African businesses but also fosters a reliance on domestic markets, hindering economic advancement.
Beyond economic pursuits, Africans seeking travel for leisure, education, or simply visiting purposes also encounter visa rejections, exacerbating feelings of isolation and exclusion. To address this issue, governments must prioritize visa liberalization, streamline application procedures, and combat discriminatory practices.
This raises the question: which African countries are most affected by visa complications?
According to a recent report by Henley and Partners, ranking the 10 countries in the world with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates, “Africa accounted for seven of the top ten countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2022.”
“Globally, the absolute number of Schengen visa applications decreased from 16.7 million in 2014 to 7.6 million in 2022, representing a decline of almost 9 million applications. In other words, the global number of Schengen visa applications declined by nearly 54.7%,” the report reads.
However, “African visa applicants face more severe restrictions compared to applicants from other regions, resulting in a disproportionately high rejection rate. In 2022, Africa topped the list of rejections with 30% or one in three of all processed applications being turned down, even though it had the lowest number of visa applications per capita,” the report adds.
With that said here are the 5 African countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates.
1. Algeria / 392,053 / 179,409 / 45.8%
2. Guinea-Bissau / 7,990 / 3,611 / 45.2%
3. Nigeria / 86,815 / 39,189 / 45.1%
4. Ghana / 42,124 / 18,363 / 43.6%
5. Senegal / 56,866 / 23,683 / 41.6%
Guinea and Mali, the remaining two countries on the list, have rejection rates of 40.6% and 39.9%, respectively.
Former French Ambassador to Ghana, Anne Sophie Ave, has warned against using middlemen to obtain travel visas, especially for parts of Europe.
She stated that some individuals are still paying these middlemen significant amounts of money in the hope of securing a Schengen visa, in particular.
In a post shared via X on April 13, Ave advised individuals to be cautious when dealing with such individuals who promise to secure their visas for them.
She urged unsuspecting individuals to report such incidents or persons engaging in this illegal activity to the police, as they are nothing but “crooks.”
“I hear some people still pay crooks to get visas. Anyone asking for money and pretending he can help you get a visa is a crook. Do not reply. Report to the police,” Anne Sophie Ave warned.
She added; “Do not use their services, you will be denied 100 percent and possibly banned from all 27 countries.”
I hear some people still pay crooks to get visas. Anyone asking for money and pretending he can help you get a visa is a crook. Do not reply. Report to the police. Do not use their services: you will be denied 💯% and possibly banned from all 27 countries. pic.twitter.com/1E2WusPJKT
— Anne Sophie (Akosua) Avé (@annesophieave) April 13, 2024
A middleman is someone who claims to have connections or influence with embassy officials and offers to assist with the visa application process for a fee.
However, using a middleman to secure a visa is not only risky but also considered visa fraud. This could negatively impact one’s chances of obtaining a valid visa in the future.
The Canadian Visa Application Centre in Abelemkpe is grappling with a surge in crowds outside its premises, a situation largely attributed to applicants arriving with family, friends, and even pastors.
The centre, which frequently witnesses long queues and individuals waiting outdoors, often exposed to the sun, is working to address concerns raised about the overcrowding issue.
Kojo Wilmot, the National Officer of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)-Canadian Visa Application Center, addressed the challenges during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM on Thursday, February 22.
Despite acknowledging the complaints and recognizing the need for improvement, Wilmot emphasized the center’s continuous efforts to enhance its services.
He explained that overcrowding occurs for two main reasons.
Firstly, individuals who have made a booking and secured a date often arrive with an entourage.
The security personnel, however, only permit the person who made the booking to enter for the biometric process, leading to overcrowding outside.
Secondly, some applicants show up early for their appointments, and if their allotted time has not arrived, they are required to wait, contributing to the congestion.
Wilmot advised against unnecessary entourages, asserting, “We advise that there is no need to come to the centre with a pastor to help you submit your application or undertake the biometric because, at the end of the day, we have no say in the decision that is taken.”
The center remains committed to addressing these issues and improving the overall experience for visa applicants.
Bernard Oduro Takyi, a businessman, is currently in police custody on allegations of defrauding two individuals of $27,000 under the pretense of facilitating USA visas for them.
The victims, Gabriel Kwame Ntim and Prince Kofi Osei, entrusted Takyi with $13,000 and $14,000, respectively, with the hope of securing US visas. However, Takyi allegedly resorted to fraudulent means, including forging stamps from countries like Singapore and South Africa on their passports, as well as fabricating official letters purportedly from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
In a bid to enhance their visa applications, Takyi reportedly inserted fake stamps and letters into the victims’ passports without their knowledge.
These fraudulent stamps purportedly originated from countries such as Singapore, South Africa, Mauritius, and Turkey. Subsequently, Takyi submitted these falsified documents to the US Embassy in Madagascar, resulting in the issuance of visas to the victims.
Furthermore, one of the victims, Gabriel Kwame Ntim, was provided with a counterfeit letter from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, falsely identifying him as a strategic partner for potential investors under Ghana’s Industrial Development and Investment Fund (IDIF) policy.
Similarly, Takyi is accused of fabricating another KMA letter, presenting the second complainant, Prince Kofi Osei, as a “Metro Climate Management officer.”
Following the discovery that the documents submitted for the visas were falsified, the embassy promptly revoked the visas granted to the victims.
Bernard Oduro Takyi, the accused, has been formally charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretenses and three counts of forgery related to official documentation. Despite the charges, Oduro Takyi pleaded not guilty to all accusations.
During the court proceedings overseen by Justice Samuel Acquah, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, representing the prosecution, strongly objected to the granting of bail for the accused.
The Minister of Homeland Security, Ken ZikhaÅe, changed the immigration rules to make it easier for people from the UK, China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, France, and other countries to get visas.
People from Sadc and Comesa countries don’t need a visa to travel.
This does not include countries that require Malawian citizens to have a visa.
The changes mean that certain groups like diplomats and government officials, as well mutual exchange countries with agreements for multiple-entry visas with Malawi, are exempt from the new rules.
“The decision is not just about visas. It’s about showing the world the great things in Malawi and inviting people to come and see them for themselves,” said Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule in an interview with local media.
The British embassy in Malawi told its citizens they can easily get a visa to go see the cool stuff in the southern African country.
Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda are letting people from other African countries visit them.
A businessman residing in Gbawe, Bernard Oduro Takyi, finds himself in legal turmoil after being accused of defrauding two individuals of $27,000 under the guise of facilitating USA visas.
The allegations, which involve forgery of official documents, have landed Takyi in Police custody following a ruling by the Accra Circuit Court.
The court heard that Takyi allegedly deceived Gabriel Kwame Ntim and Prince Kofi Osei, both residents of Kumasi and Accra respectively, promising to secure visas for them and others within a short period.
The accused purportedly assured the victims that their names would be included in the visa applications, leading Ntim to pay $13,000 and Osei $14,000 on separate occasions in April and May 2023.
In a troubling turn of events, Takyi is accused of fabricating entry and exit stamps from Singapore, Mauritius, Turkey, and South Africa in the complainants’ passports without their knowledge.
Additionally, he allegedly forged letters from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), falsely introducing Ntim as a strategic partner for real estate investors and Osei as a “Metro Climate Change Management Officer.”
Despite Takyi’s plea of not guilty, the Prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, vehemently opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges.
The court, presided over by Samule Bright Acquah, acceded to the Prosecution’s request, remanding Takyi into Police custody until the next hearing scheduled for February 12, 2024.
According to the Prosecution, Takyi submitted the forged documents to the Regional USA Embassy in Madagascar, leading to visa approvals for Ntim and Osei.
However, the Embassy later detected the forgery and revoked the visas, prompting the victims to report the incident to the Police on December 22, 2023.
The case underscores the risks associated with fraudulent visa schemes and the importance of vigilance when engaging in such transactions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of documents and promises made by individuals offering visa assistance services.
President Akufo-Addo has announced his government’s commitment to implementing a visa-free policy for all Africans traveling to Ghana in 2024.
During the opening of the 2024 Africa Prosperity Dialogue on January 25, the President revealed that the necessary processes for the policy’s execution have been initiated.
In his address to participants, he acknowledged the visa requirements for attending the event and highlighted a specialarrangement made for the conference, reducing the visa acquisition fee by 50%.
“We reduced the visa acquisition fee by 50%, and we were thus able to receive your visa on arrival. The Government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free access for all Africans travelling into our country, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year.”
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the Government of Ghana’s dedication to providing visa-free access to all Africans visiting the country, with the implementation process set to commence this year.
Encouraging a critical examination of such dialogues, the President stressed their importance in meeting the demands of the private sector.
“These dialogues have to examine critically the responsibilities and expectations of the private sector and demand the same of the public sector and expect that both can work as partners to achieve the Africa we want. We must strengthen our resolve to work hand in hand with our governments in free and fair democratic systems of governance that promote safe and sound, legal, and institutional frameworks. Let us work to get the buy-in of the small trader, builder, farmer, and seamstress and make them believe that having a single market can benefit them as well,” he entreated.
He called for collaboration among Africans to strengthen their governments within a free and fair democratic system.
Additionally, he urged concerted efforts to secure the support of small traders and farmers for the concept of a unified African market, emphasizing its potential benefits for them.
The two-day Africa Prosperity Dialogue, themed “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add, Value, and Trade,” is being held at the Peduase Lodge. Organized by the APN in collaboration with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat and the Government of Ghana, the event serves as an annual platform for business executives, thought leaders, and political figures to collaborate on advancing the goal of building the world’s largest single market in Africa.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogues were officially adopted by the African Union on February 19, 2023, as a crucial instrument for mobilizing private sector support for the continent’s AfCFTA project.
This decision was made during the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Russell Cook from Worthing, West Sussex, had planned to run 360 marathons in 240 days.
The 26-year-old had to make the challenge last longer because some bad things happened, like an armed robbery.
Mr Cook said that it all depends on if he can get permission to go into Algeria and then cross the border into Mauritania.
“I’ve been traveling for 278 days, running 12,000km [7,456 miles] through 13 countries, and raised over £140,000 for charity. But now everything is uncertain,” he said.
“If we don’t get the visas, then we can’t continue. “
The tough journey started at the furthest point south in South Africa on April 22nd and will end at the furthest point north in Tunisia.
Mr Cook wanted to travel 9,320 miles (14,500km) and cross 16 borders, but he had some problems with his visas, health, and politics, so he had to make the journey longer.
Mr Cook, who is called “Hardest Geezer”, asked for help from those who have been following the challenge to get a visa.
“He said it’s the only choice we have. “”We have no other way to reach the very top of Africa. “
The event is for The Running Charity and it has collected £142,659 until now.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) and global payment giant Visa are set to redefine the domestic payment ecosystem.
The historic agreement, unveiled at the GhIPSS headquarters in Accra, is scheduled to kick off in May 2024.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the combined expertise and global reach of both entities to bring about increased efficiency, reduced transaction costs, and a streamlined dispute resolution process for domestic payments.
CEO of GhIPSS, Archie Hesse, sees this collaboration as a watershed moment for Ghana’s payment landscape, emphasizing the potential for improved effectiveness and lower costs.
This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration and opens avenues for future advancements in the country’s financial sector.
One of the pivotal outcomes of this agreement is the potential reduction in reliance on foreign currencies.
As GhIPSS is locally owned, all transactions will be conducted in the Cedi, providing financial institutions with the ability to seamlessly operate in the local currency.
This move is crucial for reducing complexities associated with using foreign currencies to pay service providers.
The collaboration is expected to yield substantial cost savings for VISA agents, especially banks, which could translate into lower transaction fees for clients.
Mr Hesse reiterated GhIPSS’s commitment to keeping transaction costs affordable, emphasizing the inclusion of a public good element in its operations.
This partnership is unfolding at a time when inefficiencies persist in payment and settlement transactions across the continent, particularly those involving multiple offshore counterparts.
Hesse hinted at the potential for “dual cards,” connecting to both Visa’s infrastructure and nearby establishments outside its usual network, fostering financial inclusion.
Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Head of West Africa Cluster at Visa, highlighted Ghana’s significance as a key market.
He expressed Visa’s commitment to partnering with Ghana to build a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy, attributing Ghana’s rise as a regional leader in digital payments to its vibrant economy, tech-savvy population, and dedication to innovation.
“At Visa, we believe in Ghana’s potential as one of our most important markets. Ghana’s rise as a regional leader in digital payments is no accident. Its vibrant economy, tech-savvy population and commitment to innovation make it fertile ground for growth, and Visa is proud to be a part of this journey. We are committed to working with our partners here to build a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy for all Ghanaians,” he said.
Thailand eliminated visas for Chinese citizens in September in a bid to increase tourist arrivals.
The show attracted strong reaction at a time when Thailand was starting to lose its appeal to Chinese tourists.
Authorities said more than 22,000 Chinese people entered the Southeast Asian country in the first two days of the exemption. “Currently, we are ready to open the country and take care of tourists from both countries together.
This is good news,” Srettha said at a press conference on Tuesday. “This is an improvement in relations [between Thailand and China and strengthens the importance of the Thai passport,” he said.
Chinese are the second largest group of foreign tourists to Thailand, after Malaysians.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand said in November that it expected to welcome up to 3. 5 million Chinese visitors in all of 2023, still short of its target of 4 million.
The number is less than half of the roughly 11 million Chinese tourists who visited in 2019, but still represents a marked improvement over 2022, when just 270,000 of them were welcomed pick up.
The lack of cheap flights in the post-Covid era and the slowdown in the Chinese economy are among the reasons why tourists are hesitant to visit Thailand.
But some have also raised security concerns after rumors emerged that tourists were being kidnapped and taken across the border to work at scam centers in Myanmar or Cambodia.
Tourists are also worried after a shooting at Bangkok’s most famous shopping mall left a Chinese mother of two dead last October.
The tourism agency has set a target of welcoming 8. 2 million Chinese tourists by 2024.
China has also waived visa requirements to attract tourists.
Last November, it announced a trial visa exemption for visitors from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
The program starts in December and will last until the end of November this year.
In a surprising policy reversal, the UK government has abandoned its contentious plan to swiftly raise the minimum salary requirement for British nationals sponsoring foreign family members.
The revised proposal, announced with minimal fanfare, now advocates an incremental increase, beginning at £29,000 instead of the initially proposed £38,700.
This unexpected shift, lacking in detail and sudden in implementation, has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of consultation and ensuing chaos, prompting opposition parties to condemn the policy change.
While the £29,000 threshold remains above the average UK working salary, concerns persist regarding its impact on family reunification and overall legal migration dynamics.
The incremental raises are set to commence next spring, but a specific timeline for reaching the originally proposed £38,700 threshold has not been outlined.
Under the initial £18,600 threshold, 75% of individuals could afford to have family members join them. In contrast, setting it at £38,700 would reduce this affordability to just 40%, and only 25% in the north-east of England.
The original change, part of a broader crackdown on legal migration, was anticipated to contribute approximately 10,000 to an overall planned reduction of 300,000 in annual migration numbers, with potential adverse effects on families.
“£29,000 is still very high for most families – it excludes over half of the population from sponsoring a foreign spouse and is much higher than the minimum wage so those on lower salaries are still being told their family is not welcome here.
“It’s baffling why the MIR [minimum income requirement] is now going to be raised incrementally – the process is already complicated enough without this too.”
The sudden revision has sparked reactions from advocacy groups, with Reunite Families, a campaign group for those affected by immigration rules, expressing disappointment.
The revised policy, outlined in a parliamentary answer by Conservative peer and junior Home Office minister Andrew Sharpe, stipulates that the minimum income requirement “will be increased in incremental stages to give predictability.” Although the first stage, increasing to £29,000, is slated for next spring, details about subsequent increments remain unspecified.
The apparent ambiguity in the government’s approach aims to address concerns while avoiding outright abandonment of the new threshold.
Home Secretary James Cleverly, in a statement, asserted that further details about the plan’s implementation and timeline have been provided, emphasizing the continued commitment to reducing annual net migration by 300,000.
Notably, individuals renewing family visas and children seeking to join or move with parents will only need to meet the current income requirement, not the increased threshold, according to a Home Office factsheet.
The opposition, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, has seized on this development as evidence of government chaos on immigration and economic matters.
The initial shift to £38,700 followed heightened concerns about rising net inward migration, reaching 745,000 in the year to December 2022.
While the plan received praise from some Tory MPs, concerns were raised about potential chaos in the health sector and damage to the UK’s long-term growth prospects.
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has revealed the challenges he faces due to his advocacy for the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which has made him a target for institutions supporting same-sex relations.
He shared details about the various attacks he has endured, ranging from public call-outs to cancellations of his appearances on programs unrelated to his specific advocacy.
Addressing the issue of visa bans imposed by certain Western countries, George clarified that he has not personally experienced a ban or visa refusal.
However, he acknowledged that the U.S. embassy had previously subjected him to a three-month delay in processing his visa.
“They did not refuse me, they delayed it.Parliament sent six applications, including mine. Five were given, mine took an additional three months before it came,” he told Bola Ray on the December 14, 2023, edition of Starr Chat show.
“They said administrative (issues), that is why I didn’t say they refused me,” he reaffirmed talk of having been denied a visa.
He also related a story about being kicked out of a digital rights conference after pro-gay activists objected to his attendance.
“I was invited to speak in Costa Rica at the Digital Rights Conference. The next thing, they (organizers) said they got petitions from around the world against me coming to speak. So, they wrote me and said don’t even respond to this email, we don’t want to have anything to do with you. I didn’t go, they should take their conference,” he added.
Sam George and Seven MPs Champion the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, Commonly Referred to as the Anti-LGBT Bill”
The bill, currently under consideration in Parliament, is anticipated to be approved and forwarded to the president for assent before the Christmas break.
It has generated significant public debate, with a majority of Ghanaians expressing support despite facing strong opposition from certain quarters.
Ghanaians interested in visiting Rwanda can now do so without having to worry about the struggles in acquiring a visa.
This is now so because Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, on Thursday, November 2, unveiled a new policy allowing visa-free travel to the country for Africans.
The President made this announcement in Kigali, emphasizing the potential for Africa to become a unified tourism destination. Currently, Africa relies on 60% of its tourists from outside the continent, as reported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
“We should not lose sight of our own continental market,” he said. “Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come.”
This move positions Rwanda as the latest African nation to adopt such measures, with the goal of promoting the free movement of people and trade, in a bid to rival Europe’s Schengen zone.
Upon implementation, Rwanda will join the ranks of African countries that have lifted travel restrictions for Africans. Currently, Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles have already waived visas for African nationals. In addition, Kenya’s President William Ruto recently revealed plans to enable visa-free travel for all Africans to Kenya by December 31.
“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel we all become net losers” said Ruto at an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.
In 2016, the African Union launched the African passport with considerable enthusiasm, aiming to create a travel document that would parallel the European Union model and unlock the continent’s potential. Nevertheless, thus far, only diplomats and AU officials have received this travel document.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda on Thursday, unveiled a new policy allowing visa-free travel to Rwanda for Africans.
This move positions Rwanda as the latest African nation to adopt such measures, with the goal of promoting the free movement of people and trade, in a bid to rival Europe’s Schengen zone.
The President made this announcement in Kigali, emphasizing the potential for Africa to become a unified tourism destination. Currently, Africa relies on 60% of its tourists from outside the continent, as reported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country,” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
“We should not lose sight of our own continental market,” he said. “Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come.”
Upon implementation, Rwanda will join the ranks of African countries that have lifted travel restrictions for Africans. Currently, Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles have already waived visas for African nationals. In addition, Kenya’s President William Ruto recently revealed plans to enable visa-free travel for all Africans to Kenya by December 31.
“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel we all become net losers” said Ruto at an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.
In 2016, the African Union launched the African passport with considerable enthusiasm, aiming to create a travel document that would parallel the European Union model and unlock the continent’s potential. Nevertheless, thus far, only diplomats and AU officials have received this travel document.
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached a mutual accord to eliminate visa requirements, enabling visa-free travel between the two nations.
This agreement is designed to facilitate the movement of individuals and enhance trade relations.
The decision comes after recent negotiations held in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, involving officials from both countries.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has been advocating for visa-free entry between the two nations for several months.
“Crossing in East Africa should be cost-free. You pay for a visa when going to America, or Europe, but a visa to DR Congo?! That is rubbish. If that is the case, I have removed it,” President Museveni said last December when he launched the Mpondwe one-stop border post at Uganda’s border with DR Congo.
He requested that the introduction of visa-free travel proceed more quickly in May.
The exorbitant cost of visas at border crossings has previously been criticized by both Congolese and Ugandan people.
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have decided to remove the need for visas, so people can travel between both countries without visa.
This agreement is meant to make it easier for people to travel between the two countries and to make trade stronger.
The agreement comes after recent discussions between officials from both countries in the capital city of DR Congo, Kinshasa.
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has been asking for a policy where people can freely visit the two countries without needing a visa for several months.
Crossing in East Africa should not have any cost associated with it. You have to pay for a visa when traveling to America or Europe, but having to pay for a visa to go to DR Congo is ridiculous. “If that’s true, I got rid of it,” President Museveni said in December when he opened the Mpondwe one-stop border post on Uganda’s border with DR Congo.
In May, he requested the officials from both countries to make the process of allowing travel without visas faster.
Many people from Uganda and Congo have said that they have to pay a lot of money for visas when they cross the border.
Beginning November 1, 2023, Ghana and South Africa will commence the implementation of a 90-day visa waiver program, which has been mutually agreed upon by both countries.
This visa waiver applies to individuals holding ordinary passports.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Friday, they conveyed this significant development:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the general public that the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of South Africa have entered into an agreement on a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passports.”
“The agreement will become effective on November 1, 2023,” as specified by the Ministry.
Under this arrangement, travelers can transit through, depart from, and stay in both countries for a combined period of up to ninety (90) days without the need for work permits.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFA) has announced that, starting from November 1, 2023, Ghanaians interested in traveling to South Africa can now apply online. This development follows Ghana’s formal inclusion in South Africa’s e-Visa program.
In a statement released on October 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Ghana had reached an agreement regarding a visa waiver program for individuals holding regular passports. The Ministry also clarified that applicants are permitted to stay for a total of 90 days without seeking employment.
“Travelers may transit through, depart from and stay in the territory of both countries for a cumulative period of up to ninety (90) days without recourse to work,” the MFA noted.
In the meantime, the South African High Commission, in a statement released on September 29, 2023, expressed optimism that this advancement will lead to an improved visa application process.
Furthermore, it emphasized that the implementation of the e-Visa program will optimize and simplify the visa application procedure, offering increased convenience for Ghanaian travelers.
The commission also directed Ghanaian travelers to access comprehensive information on the Department of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa’s portal.
“The information is available on the portal of the Department of Homes Affairs of the Republic of South Africa. The Ghanaians are urged to visit the following website https://www.dha.gov.za to obtain more information.
“It should be noted that the normal requirements such as passport details, letter of invitation/ proof of accommodation and bank statement would be verified on arrival at a point of entry,” the commission earlier said.
The announcement also stated that anyone who have been waiting longer than three months for their passports because of this modification can now pick them up at the VFS Global Office.
“Passports that have been more than 3 months at the High Commission could be collected at the VFS Global Offices,” it stated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has officially declared an agreement for visa waivers with South Africa.
Commencing on November 1, 2023, this waiver, as outlined by the Ministry, grants travelers the privilege to transit, depart from, or sojourn within both nations for up to 90 days without the requirement for employment.
In a statement, the Ministry strongly advises the traveling public to take cognizance of this significant development.
This announcement follows a disclosure by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Charles Owiredu, during an episode of Asempa FM’s Abrokyire Nkomo program, hosted by Kwaku Amankwatia, popularly known as Akonta Joe.
“The travelling public is thereby advised to take note of the development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the general public that the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of South Africa have entered into an agreement on a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passport.”
“The Agreement takes effect from 1st November 2023. Travellers may transit through, depart from and stay in the territory of both countries for a cumulative period of up to ninety (90) days without recourse to work,” the statement added.
The United Kingdom government has disclosed an upcoming increase in immigration and nationality fees for essential services, which will come into effect on October 4, 2023.
The UK government has outlined that the updated fees will include a rise in the cost of visit visas for durations less than six months, which will now go from £15 to £115. Additionally, the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will experience an increase of £127, resulting in a new fee of £490.
The government has clarified that these fee adjustments align with the charges applied for in-country applications. Furthermore, a bill has already been presented before the UK’s Parliament on September 15, 2023, pending approval.
“In July, the government announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship,” the UK government said on its official website; gov.uk.
“Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system,” it added.
Here is the full list of the current fee and the expected increase from October 4
*Visit visa – short up to 6 months: £100 to £115
*Visiting academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months: £200 to £200
*Private medical treatment visa – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months: £200 to £200
*Visit visa – long up to 2 years: £376 to £400
*Visit visa – long up to 5 years: £670 to £771
*Visit visa – long up to 10 years: £837 to £963
*Visitor Extension – main applicant and dependants: £1000 to £1000
The UK government has declared an upcoming adjustment in immigration and nationality fees, set to take effect on October 4, 2023, for essential services.
Under the new fee structure, the cost of a visitor visa for stays of less than six months will rise from £15 to £115, while the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the UK will increase by £127 to £490.
This modification aligns the fees for out-of-country applications with the charges applied for in-country applications. A bill related to these fee changes has already been presented to the UK Parliament on September 15, 2023, awaiting approval.
“In July, the government announced a 15% increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20% in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship,” the UK government said its on official website; gov.uk
“Income from fees charged plays a vital role in the Home Office’s ability to run a sustainable immigration and nationality system,” it added.
The UK government however pointed out that “careful consideration is given when setting fees to help reduce the funding contribution from British taxpayers, whilst continuing to provide a service that remains attractive to those wishing to work in the UK and support broader prosperity for all.”
Additionally, it was emphasized that the adjustments do not include the anticipated rise in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is expected to go into effect later this autumn.
Meanwhile the fee changes will include the following below:
• Fees for up to 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 year visit visas.
• The majority of fees for entry clearance and certain applications for leave to remain in the UK including those for work and study.
• Fees for indefinite leave to enter and indefinite leave to remain.
• Convention travel document and stateless person’s travel document.
• Health and Care visa.
• Fees in relation to certificates of sponsorship and confirmation of acceptance for studies.
• The in and out of country fee for the super priority service and the out of country fee for the priority service. The settlement priority service will reduce so it is aligned with the cost of using the priority service.
• Applications to Register and Naturalise as a British Citizen.
• The fee for the User Pays Visa Application service.
Many Ghanaians have left in recent months or even years in quest of greener pastures elsewhere.
This was not crucial until the Ghana Health Service began to make noise about how employees were leaving their jobs in search of the same adventure—greener pastures.
You may have heard of the Schengen countries if you have traveled or intend to travel. In this GhanaWeb post, we highlight the process for obtaining a Schengen visa, the nations that qualify, and all the details you require.
What is Schengen Visa?
Schengen represents the EU’s passport-free zone, encompassing 27 European nations. It stands as the world’s largest unrestricted travel area, serving both tourism and business purposes. Possessing a Schengen Visa grants you access to any Schengen Area country for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.
This implies that for every 90 days spent within the Schengen Area, an equal duration must be spent outside of it. If you intend to study, work, or reside in one of these countries for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a national visa from the specific European country instead of relying on the Schengen visa.
While these countries boast open borders without stringent checks, recent security concerns have prompted a need for more precise border control within the EU. This necessity led to the development of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is a fully electronic system designed to monitor visitors from countries not requiring visas for Schengen Zone entry. The system is scheduled to commence operation in January 2024, with full functionality anticipated by November 2023, aiming to enhance border management and security.
What are the Schengen countries?
There are 27 countries which can issue a Schengen Visa, find below the complete list:
Austria Belgium Czech Republic Croatia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Liechtenstein
Types of Schengen Visa
You’ll need a Schengen visa if you’re visiting for one of the following reasons:
Business purposes Visiting friends or family Tourism Holidays Cultural or sports events Transit Medical reasons Short-term study Research purposes
Depending on why you’re visiting the Schengen countries, you may be granted a single-entry visa, a double-entry visa, or a multiple-entry visa.
Below is how citizenremote.com explains the types of visas:
Single-Entry Visa
A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area only once within the given period of time. Once the holder leaves the Schengen Area, they can’t re-enter it using that visa, even if they have not spent the number of days permitted.
Don’t get confused; a single-entry visa does not mean you can only enter one country. You can enter through any country from the Schengen Area and keep moving around the 27 countries.
Double-Entry Visa
The double-entry visa works similarly to the single-entry visa. The difference between them is that, unlike the single-entry visa, the double-entry visa allows you to re-enter the Schengen Area one more time after you have left it.
With this visa, you won’t be allowed to enter a third time when you leave the Schengen Area a second time. So be very mindful of the time you spend in the zone and ensure you don’t exceed the number of days you are permitted to stay.
And again, do not confuse the double-entry visa with the number of countries you’re allowed to visit.
Multiple-Entry Visa
Any holder of a multiple-entry visa can come and go from the Schengen Area as they please, as long as they don’t violate the 90/180 days limit.
This visa is granted depending on how frequently you travel. If you have obtained a double-entry visa more than once and you are a frequent visitor to the Schengen zone, you will most likely be granted a multiple-entry visa.
Depending on how frequently you travel, you may be granted one of these multiple-entry visa types:
1-year multiple-entry visa 3-year multiple-entry visa 5-year multiple-entry visa 1-year Multiple-entry Visa
The 1-year MEV can be obtained if you have obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years. You must show proof of your previous visas when applying for this one.
The 1-year MEV allows you to enter the Schengen zone as often as you want, as long as you do not remain more than 90 days within this period.
3-year Multiple-entry Visa
You can obtain a 3-year MEV if you have used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years.
This visa gives you the right to enter the Schengen Area as often as you wish within three years. However, you must not stay for longer than 90 days within a 180-day span.
5-year Multiple-entry Visa
This visa is granted if you have previously obtained and lawfully used a multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years.
Same as the others, the 5-year MEV allows you to enter the Schengen Area as often as you wish within five years, but make sure you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)
The Uniform Schengen Visa is a permit given by one of the Schengen Area Member Countries that allows you to transit or reside in the desired territory for a certain period of time, up to a maximum of 90 days.
There are two categories of USV, type A and type C.
USV Category “A”
This category stands for “Airport Transit Visa”. This visa allows you to travel through the international zone of the Schengen country Airport without entering the Schengen Area.
Keep in mind that airport transit visas are mandatory for citizens traveling from one non-Schengen state to another non-Schengen state, where they change flights in a Schengen country airport.
USV Category “C”
This category stands for Short-term visa. This visa allows you to reside in the Schengen Area for a certain period of time. Short-term visas can be obtained as single-entry visas, double-entry visas, or multiple-visa entry, which we discussed above.
Limited territorial validity visas (LTV)
An LTV allows you to travel only in the Schengen State that has issued the visa. This means the holder of an LTV cannot enter or transit through any other Schengen country that is not the first and final destination target.
This type of visa is granted only on specific cases, like humanitarian reasons or under international obligation, as an exception to the common USV system.
Schengen Visa Requirements
To qualify for a visa, you must:
Be a national of a non-EU country that requires a visa Have a valid passport Fill up the application form properly Show proof of financial means Show proof of accommodations Round trip reservation or flight itinerary
Schengen Visa Fees
Citizenremote.com explains that the standard Schengen visa fee is €80 ($80).
Children between the ages of six and twelve pay a reduced fee of €40 ($40).
Children under the age of six are entirely exempt from payment.
Prime Minister for the United Kingdom (UK), Rishi Sunak, has announced the increase in visa application fees as part of efforts to address revenue shortfalls.
In an address at Downing Street on July 13, Sunak outlined government priorities, including reducing inflation, economic growth, and debt reduction.
He also mentioned a substantial pay award for teachers to prevent a potential strike.
To bridge the revenue gap, Sunak announced two measures targeting migrants as a means of generating necessary funding.
“We are going to increase the charges for migrants when they are applying for visas to come to this country and indeed something called the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is the levy that they pay to access the NHS,” he told the press.
The charges for visa applications and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which grants access to the NHS, will both be increased. These tax measures are expected to generate over a billion pounds in revenue.
“So, across the board, visa application fees are going to go up significantly… none of these fees have been increased recently and we think it is appropriate given that cost of everything has gone up,” he added.
Sunak justified the fee hikes by stating that they hadn’t been increased recently and that the cost of living has risen.
“So, across the board, visa application fees are going to go up significantly… none of these fees have been increased recently and we think it is appropriate given that cost of everything has gone up,” he added.
The Foreign Office will roll out the increases in the coming days and weeks. It’s worth noting that the United States recently raised visa fees for certain non-immigrant visa categories, a practice criticized for potentially exploiting applicants even in the case of rejected applications.
UK visa application fees are about to increase “significantly,” says PM Rishi Sunakpic.twitter.com/2FUT430oqg
The Deputy Communication Director for the NDC, Malik Basintale, has confidently assured the NPP that the NDC would emerge victorious in the Assin North by-election, regardless of any efforts made by the opposing party to seize power.
Malik believes that nothing the New Patriotic Party will do will turn the hearts and minds of the Assin North constituents away from the National Democratic Party.
According to Malik Basintale, the NDC is unbothered about the monies and tokens the NPP is sharing to the constituents.
He added that the NPP could share human parts or free visas to heaven, but their fate of losing woefully in the by-election will not change.
The Communication Officer was speaking on the ‘Point of View’ on Citi TV.
“I can confidently say that even if the NPP decides to share human parts and free visas to heaven, we will defeat them in the by-election. I can confidently say that from where I am, we have been interrogating people, and interacting with them throughout the processes. We have availed ourselves to listen to their concerns. What we are able to solve we have solved, what we are able to improve upon we have done that,” Malik said.
The keenly contested race for the Assin North seat is between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Charles Opoku and James Gyakye Quayson of the NDC whose seat in parliament has been in contention following nationality claims after he was voted as MP back in 2020.
Meanwhile, a new poll conducted by the Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that Charles Opoku, holds a slim advantage over James Gyakye Quayson in Tuesday’s by-election.
The poll which was conducted ahead of the by-election showed that some 45.6 percent of respondents expressed their desire to vote for James Gyakye Quayson, while 46.7 percent declared their intention to vote for Charles Opoku.
It further showed that some 6.9 percent of respondents remain undecided about the candidate to vote for who. This could prove pivotal in determining the final outcome of the election according to Global InfoAnalytics.
You can also watch this episode of People & Places here:
Why Akans head this Ghanaian group made up of 3 tribes, 5 clans | People & Places
In the last and final episode of People & Places with focus on the Ada People, Wonder Ami Adu-Asare and her guests put the spotlight on the chieftaincy system of this ethnic group
The US embassy in Ghana has released the list of selected applicants for visas for 2024.
The embassy explained that the selection does not guarantee a visa or an interview.
However, applicants may find out about their status on its website.
Each year, the Department of State conducts a random selection of Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) applicants, based on the allocation of available visas in each region and country.
Meanwhile, effective May 30, 2023, nonimmigrant visa fees will be revised upwards by the United States of America Embassy in Accra.
This means that B1/B2 visas for business and tourist travel, F visas for international students, J exchange visitor visas, and other visa classes not requiring a petition will increase from $160 to $185.
On the other hand, petition-based nonimmigrants who fall within (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) categories will pay fees of $205 instead of the previous $190.
According to the US Embassy, the move, which will take effect at all U.S embassies and consulates around the world, was established by the Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Persons who apply before May 30 and schedule an interview within 365 days of the day of payment will, however, not be affected by the change.
“Fees are increasing for new visa applications as of May 30, 2023, only. Applicants who pay the visa fee before May 30, 2023, and schedule an interview within 365 days of the day payment is made are not affected by this change.
“There is no requirement for the interview to actually occur during that 365-day period, applicants must just take the step of scheduling an appointment within 365 days,” myjoyonline quoted the embassy as having said.
The US Embassy has announced an increase in visa fees worldwide from US$160 to US$185 effective May 30, 2023.
The statement from the embassy on May 4, 2023, detailed that “fees for U.S. nonimmigrant visas will increase worldwide on May 30, 2023.” “The fee for B1/B2 visas for business and tourist travel, F visas for international students, J exchange visitor visas, and other visa classes not requiring a petition will increase to US$185 (from US$160).”
It further went on to say that “for petition-based non immigrant categories (H, L, O, P, Q, and R), the fee will increase to US$205 (from US$190). This fee increase is established by the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and will take effect equally at all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world,” it added.
However, individuals who apply for a visa on or after May 30, 2023, will be required to pay the new, higher fees. It does not affect applications submitted before that date.
“Fees are increasing for new visa applications as of May 30, 2023 only.” Applicants who pay the visa fee before May 30, 2023, and schedule an interview within 365 days of the day payment is made are not affected by this change.
There is no requirement for the interview to actually occur during that 365-day period; applicants must just take the step of scheduling an appointment within 365 days.
From October 1, 2022, visa fee payments will be valid for 365 days from the date of payment receipt. Within this period, applicants are required to either schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application.
However, there is no requirement that the actual interview take place within this 365-day period.
So, applicants have one year to schedule an interview or submit an interview waiver application after paying the visa fee, according to the Embassy.
It also added that “The Department of State’s consular operations are funded by fees collected for the consular services it provides.”
Nonimmigrant visa fees are set based on the actual cost of providing these services, as determined after conducting a study of the cost of these services.
“Nonimmigrant visa fee increases are based strictly on the results of this cost-of-service model, and the Department of State only recovers the costs of providing these consular services,” the embassy said in the statement.
Ghana is yet to act in respect of a 90-day visa-free arrangement for ordinary passport holders with the Republic of South Africa (RSA), despite the challenges businesses and individuals currently have to go through to acquire a visa to travel to the Southern Africa nation.
AviationGhana sources close to the issue, explained that the South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Regional Cooperations tabled the offer more than a year ago so as to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries but Ghana is yet to accept the terms.
The Department offered a 90-day visa-free entry per year for Ghanaian ordinary passport holders. Persons who want to stay longer would have the option of applying for visa to enable them extend their stay.
However, Ghana is said to have asked for 180days – a length of time rarely granted in such visa-free arrangements between two nations.
Additionally, while the SA Department of International Relations and Regional Cooperations was seeking to have this done through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) since there already exist a bilateral relation between the two countries. However, Ghana say it is to table arrangement through Parliament before it can give effect to same.
The third issue is the removal of undesirable persons from the RSA. RSA wants the Government of Ghana (GoG) to bear the cost of returning its citizens who overstay their welcome or go contrary to the laws of RSA for which reasons they become unwanted in the rainbow nation. GoG disagrees with this, according close sources with in-depth knowledge about these discussions.
Despite these initial observations raised by Ghana, there has not been any further action on the South Africa visa waiver proposal. The RSA Home Affairs office says it has been waiting all this while for Ghana to act and move the discussions forward so as to actualize the said arrangement.
The duration of Nigerian tourist and business visas has been increased from two to five years by the United States of America.
On Monday, a press release by the US Consulate General stated that as of March 1, 2023, it will increase visitor visa validity from 24 months to 60 months for Nigerians.
Rauf Aregbesola, The Minister of Interior, said the decree was approved to implement the new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the two governments.
According to Aregbesola, the agreements include the reciprocity of five-year tourist visa validity for American Citizens under Section 30 of the Immigration Act, 2015 and; Extension of visa validity to three years for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America.
The US Consulate assured that the visa fee cost remains the same.
The statement reads, “Effective March 1, 2023, the US Mission will increase visitor visa validity from 24 months to 60 months for Nigerians who want to enter the United States temporarily for business and tourism.
“The visa validity extension allows Nigerians to use the visa for 60 months to make short trips to the United States for tourism or business purposes before renewing their visa. The visa application fee, currently USD160, will not increase due to the increased visa validity.”
“Increasing visa validity is one of several initiatives the United States took to reduce visa appointment wait times in Nigeria.
The US Mission continues to offer No-Interview Visa Renewals to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
You may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview if your application is for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L, or C1/D (combined only) visa and you meet the criteria.
“Please see our website at https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ for further information.
“Please note that processing times for the program are expected to be up to two months, and you will not be able to retrieve your passport during that time.
Minors can apply without an interview only if they meet the eligibility criteria independently.”
He was the only player, according to Cricket Australia, who was unable to travel to India for the Test series.
Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener, missed the team’s flight to India for their four-Test tour due to a visa holdup, according to Cricket Australia (CA).
According to a CA spokesperson, the batsman, who was born in Pakistan, was the only member of Australia’s team who did not board the flight on Wednesday because his visa was late.
Khawaja posted online a meme from the popular Netflix series Narcos where infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar sits on a garden chair staring into space, with the caption “Me waiting for my Indian Visa like… #stranded #dontleaveme #standard #anytimenow”.
CA was expecting the visa to arrive later on Wednesday and said Khawaja had been booked on a flight out on Thursday.
Some team support staff are also flying out on Thursday.
In 2011, Khawaja had said he was denied entry into India “because he was not born in Australia”. However, since then Khawaja has visited India several times.
Pakistan and India have had fraught relations since partition in 1947 and those tensions have routinely seeped into sports.
Australia will try to win their first Test series in India in almost a decade. Tests will be played in Nagpur, New Delhi, Dharamsala and the last one at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
After being left out of the Test side for about two years, Khawaja made a stunning return against England in the 2021-22 Ashes.
He notched up his 4,000th Test run in a recent match against South Africa in Sydney, where he was 195 not out.
Principal Policy Advisor of the Economic Commission of Africa, Joseph Atta-Mensah has called for the removal of the VISA requirements among African countries.
According to him, the free movement of people on the continent is necessary to propel the economic growth of Africa.
Mr Atta-Mensah called for this rectification when discussing the topic ‘Africa Prosperity Dialogues: All you need to Know” on Accra-based Asaase Radio.
“You know, we fear each other and I don’t know why. We always use security as an issue to prevent people from coming but I think if there is a total collaboration among our security forces, to have data on someone [that can be done].
“Because just as there are bad people, there are good people who want to do good business to uplift the continent. So what we need to do is remove the VISAs completely, not VISA on arrival. And that can be done by having a common African passport. ECOWAS does it, we can do it and put on it African Union,” he noted.
Mr Atta-Mensah further urged business owners in Ghana to embrace the newly-established African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which has its office situated in the country.
According to him, the onus lies on the business owners to take full advantage of it.
“Businesses always complain that government is not giving them the policies to operate but in North America, businesses are the ones who lobby for policies. “The African Continental Free Trade Area belongs to businesses so they should embrace it other than say that they are not been included because at the end of the day, they are the ones going to do the trading anyway.
The United Arab Emirateshas reportedly banned nationals of some 20 African countries from entering its capital city, Dubai.
“This is to inform you that we will not be posting 30 days visa applications for these nationalities effective today October 18, 2022,” the notice read in part.
countries affected by the visa ban include Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic.
In a notice issued to trade partners including travel agents, authorities indicated that all applications should be rejected.
“Any applications from the above-mentioned countries will be sent back or canceled.” According to reports.
this is not the first time some African countries have been banned from entering Dubai.
In December 2021, Emirates Airlines announced that eight African countries will not be accepted to travel through Dubai until further notice due to the spread of Covid 19.
It is however not clear the reason behind the latest ban.
The Accra UK Visa Application Center has been closed, effective today January 11, 2021, until further notice, MyNewsGh.com reports.
This is because the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel which houses the centre is closing with immediate effect.
It is unclear whether the place has experienced an outbreak of Coronavirus. The UK is now an epic centre for the second outbreak of COVID-19.
A mail to some Ghanaians living in the UK or having travelled to the UK indicated that a separate email will be distributed by the end of this week to reschedule the appointment.
The mail sighted by MyNewsGh.com to the applicant reads “please kindly note that due to circumstances beyond our control, our Accra UK visa application centre at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel will be closed to the public from 11th January 2021 until further notice.â€
It further said, “a separate email will be distributed by the end of this week to reschedule your appointment this week to next week.â€
“We apologize for any convenience caused. Thank youâ€, it added.
This means those wanting to travel to the UK soon will have to reschedule their trips because of the closure of the Visa Application Center.
Comptroller General of Nigeria’s Immigration, Muhammed Babandede has issued a warning to illegal migrants to desist from entering Nigeria’s borders without obtaining a visa.
In an interview on Channels Television, Babandede said any migrant that comes into Nigeria through the land borders without a visa would be returned.
He explained that the visa-on-arrival option was open for Africans and would be restricted to the airports.
The Comptroller-General revealed that the Immigration Service has registered over 240,000 migrants via the e-registration portal provided by the Federal Government. He said 65% of the migrants were irregular before President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari gave the pardon.
Babandede said illegal migrants who come through the land borders would be forced to register because they cannot stay in Nigeria for 90 days off the books.
“They cannot be accepted to arrive through the land borders. There is no way we can take any African to come into Nigeria without a visa. If they do so, they will be returned,” the Immigration boss warned.
“Because we have a huge land mass borders, VISA on arrival will be only at the airport. But we have not neglected the lad borders, we have 18 places where we do the biometric scan and the resources will expand those locations.†Comptroller General, @nigimmigration, @babandedemb. pic.twitter.com/JdksvNubNp
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled a new visa policy which he says is intended to attract innovation, specialised skills and knowledge from abroad.
The president had last November in Egypt, announced the new visa policy which he described as a “strategic decision to bring down barriers that have hindered the free movement of our people within the continent”.
The new policy sees the introduction of visas on arrival for short visits for holders of passports of African Union countries.
There are 79 new categories which the government say is to ensure that “visas are more efficiently matched to the purpose of travel, thus helping improve the efficiency of processing and response”.
The government also announced a new biometric visa database which is able to conduct checks for those on Interpol watchlists.
According to the Embassy, the new set of rules is to quickly detect applicants who exhibit symptoms of the virus and get them the required medical attention.
The Chinese Ambassador, Shi Ting Wang explained the decision during a press briefing.
He noted that the measures include applicants being tested for high temperature and using hand sanitizers even before filling the application forms.
“Anybody who comes to apply for a visa to China will be checked of high temperature, should it exceed 37.3?C the person will be advised to seek medical attention,†he said.
The Ambassador also said the Chinese government will not ignore any Ghanaian in Wuhan or any of the Chinese cities who show symptoms of the deadly virus but ensure the person receives the required medical care.
Mr Shi Ting Wang further commended the Foreign Ministry and Ghana government for their support in fighting the new epidemic.
So far, 304 people in China were confirmed dead in the 24 hours to the end of February 1, due to the virus whereas thousands more have been confirmed infected, bringing that total to 14,380 people.
No Africa country has, so far, recorded a case for the virus.
However, a small proportion of cases around 100 occurred outside China. The UK, US, Russia and Germany have all confirmed cases in recent days, Ghana and other African countries are yet to report a case.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry in Ghana has directed that all non-essential travels to China be avoided or delayed.
In the latest immigration control measure, the United States said Thursday it would no longer issue temporary visitor visas to pregnant women seeking to enter the country for so-called “birth tourism.â€
In announcing the rule change, which takes effect Friday, the White House said foreigners were using the visas “to secure automatic and permanent American citizenship for their children by giving birth on American soil.â€
“The integrity of American citizenship must be protected,†it said in a statement.
Calling the practice “a glaring immigration loophole,†the White House argued the crackdown on “birth tourism†was for public safety and national security as well as immigration control.
“The birth tourism industry threatens to overburden valuable hospital resources and is rife with criminal activity, as reflected in federal prosecution.â€
The US constitution guarantees automatic American citizenship to anyone born on US soil.
US President Donald Trump has made restricting immigration a top priority of his administration, and has threatened in the past to abolish birthright citizenship.
A 39-year-old Travel and Tour Consultant, who swindled a trader of his GHC16,800.00 under the pretext of securing a Canadian Visa for him, has been granted a GHC25,000.00 bail by a Kumasi Circuit Court.
Anthony Agyarko, the accused, pleaded guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences and would re-appear before the Court presided over by Madam Lydia Marfo, on November 4, 2019.
Prosecuting, ASP Felix Akowuah, told the Court that, Evans Appiah, complainant in the case lives at Bantama whiles the accused resided at Amanfrom, all in Kumasi.
In June last year, Appiah who had the intention of travelling to Canada approached the accused for assistance in obtaining a visa.
He told the Court that accused then collected the said amount from Appiah and promised to obtain the Canadian Visa for him, but this never materialized.
Prosecution said the complainant after several fruitless attempts to get the visa from the accused, became aware he had been swindled and then made a report to the police in Kumasi leading to the arrest of the accused.
