In a significant development, Ghana has been added to South Africa's e-Visa program, enabling Ghanaian nationals to apply for South African visas online rather than visiting the South African High Commission. This move is expected to simplify the visa application process for Ghanaians and reduce the need for physical visits to the High Commission.
According to an official statement from the South African High Commission on September 28, individuals whose passports were withheld for more than three months due to this change can now collect them at the VFS Global Office. This is a welcome relief for those who have been inconvenienced by the previous requirement to visit the High Commission in person.
The e-Visa program is part of South Africa's efforts to modernize its visa application process and make it more accessible to foreign nationals. The program allows applicants to submit their applications and supporting documents online, and pay the applicable fees using a secure online payment system. Once the application is approved, the visa is electronically linked to the applicant's passport, which can be collected at a designated VFS Global Office.
The inclusion of Ghana in the e-Visa program is a significant development for both countries, as it is expected to boost tourism and trade between them. Ghana is one of South Africa's major trading partners in West Africa, and the ease of obtaining a visa is likely to increase the number of Ghanaian visitors to South Africa.