THE Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) has welcomed the government's newly launched Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system as a game-changing move for the country's tourism sector, but warns that high visa fees could undermine its intended impact.

Under the new arrangement, all holders of African passports travelling to Ghana for business or tourism are exempt from paying visa fees. They are, however, required to apply for entry through the newly introduced online e-Visa platform.

In contrast, travellers from outside Africa will be required to pay a service fee of US$260 (?3,057.60) when applying for a visa through the platform.

While praising the digital visa platform as a major step towards modernising Ghana's travel and tourism infrastructure, the Federation says concerns over the current pricing structure risk discouraging potential visitors and limiting tourism growth.

According to the President, Seth Yeboah Ocran, the e-Visa initiative is a bold and progressive measure that demonstrates government's commitment to improving ease of travel, attracting investment and enhancing Ghana's competitiveness on the global tourism market.

He also commended Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his leadership role in the rollout of the digital visa system, noting that the private sector had long advocated for a more streamlined and efficient entry process for visitors.

However, the Federation, had in an earlier statement, cautioned that the success of the initiative could be affected if visa charges were perceived as too expensive by potential travellers.

GHATOF revealed that feedback from key tourism source markets across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa indicates growing concern about the cost of obtaining a Ghanaian visa, with some prospective visitors suggesting the fees could influence their travel decisions.

“GHATOF has received substantial and growing feedback from international source markets expressing concern that the current e-Visa pricing structure may present a barrier to the very growth we collectively seek to stimulate.

“It is in the same spirit of partnership, patriotism, and shared purpose that GHATOF respectfully draws the attention of the Hon. Minister and the government to a concern that has been consistently raised by tourism operators, travel agents, inbound tour operators, and prospective visitors from across the world.

“The Federation wishes to be candid: the feedback is not isolated, and the volume of concern warrants the government's serious attention.

“GHATOF wishes to affirm, most respectfully, that this concern is not directed at the concept of visa fees, but at the current fee quantum. We firmly believe that a recalibrated pricing model — one that is both commercially sound and designed to encourage high visitor volumes- will significantly amplify tourist arrivals and generate far greater long-term economic returns for Ghana,” the statement said. (Read also: Don’t turn Film Fund into reward scheme for 'NDC Creatives' — Paul Gee)

The tourism umbrella body argued that a competitive visa regime is critical at a time when several countries are aggressively positioning themselves to attract international visitors through simplified and affordable entry requirements.

To address the issue, GHATOF proposed a differentiated fee structure based on the purpose of travel, duration of stay and visa category. It further urged policymakers to consider the broader economic benefits generated by increased tourist arrivals, including spending across hospitality, aviation, transportation, arts, culture and retail sectors.