Ghana tourism operators urge reduction of US$260 emergency visa fee

The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) is calling on the government to reduce the US$260 Emergency Entry Visa fee, warning that the high cost undermines the country’s tourism competitiveness.

TOUGHA President Yvonne Donkor noted that while the recent transition of emergency visa applications to the national e-Visa platform is a positive step toward efficiency and transparency, the current price remains prohibitively high. The union argues that such costs risk creating a perception of Ghana as an expensive and difficult destination to access, especially when compared to regional competitors.

The emergency visa is intended for travelers requiring short-notice entry due to urgent business, family emergencies, or last-minute arrangements. TOUGHA emphasizes that these travelers are particularly sensitive to both cost and ease of access, and the current fee structure may drive them to choose alternative destinations.