Ghana Sees Surge In Visa Applications As Outbound Travel Rises

The number of visa applications processed in 2023 from Ghana has nearly doubled compared to 2022, according to Mr. Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head of Sub Saharan Africa at VFS Global.

Mr. Viswanathan highlighted that applications processed at the Ghana Passport Premium Application Centres run by VFS Global saw a 30% increase during the year, reflecting a growing desire among Ghanaian residents to travel overseas.

The year also marked a significant rise in global outbound travel, including in countries such as Ghana. Viswanathan explained that factors contributing to the increased demand for visas included tourism, family visits, educational trips, and business travel.

During a media outreach session in Accra, Viswanathan advised applicants to apply for visas early due to limited appointment slots, emphasizing the organization's commitment to enhancing the visa application experience through innovative solutions.

He also provided guidance for applicants, urging them to carry all essential documentation, including a printout of the checklist, and to check the VFS Global website for significant requirements and submission protocols at Visa Application Centres.

Additionally, Ghana filed over 42,000 Schengen visa applications in 2022, with Germany receiving the highest number of applications followed by France and the Netherlands. Germany also had the highest approval rate for Ghanaian visa applications at 75.4%, while Malta had the lowest approval rate at 26%.

According to an OECD report, Ghanaians are the second-highest nationality in ECOWAS countries (falling only behind Nigeria) migrating to OECD countries, with a significant interest in permanent emigration.

The report said Ghanaian nationals are largely interested in emigrating permanently (44 percent), which follows Sierra Leone (61 percent) and Liberia (58 percent), the two countries with the most population that want to leave their home country in search of better living conditions.