In a significant diplomatic and tourism development, the State of Qatar has officially added Ghana to its list of countries whose citizens can now enter Qatar without a visa. The announcement was made by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Qatar Tourism Authority on Wednesday, June 12, 2025.
The updated list includes 38 countries, with Ghana being one of only four African nations granted the visa-free privilege, alongside Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa. This strategic policy is aimed at enhancing tourism, deepening bilateral relations, and boosting international partnerships, particularly with countries that have shown increased trade and diplomatic engagement with Qatar.
Ghanaian nationals can now travel to Qatar without prior visa applications, streamlining entry for business, tourism, or transit purposes. While the specific number of visa-free days and conditions of stay are expected to be clarified shortly by Qatar’s immigration authorities, travelers will enjoy greater mobility and reduced travel costs.
This policy shift is particularly beneficial for Ghanaian entrepreneurs, sports fans, business professionals, and pilgrims, as Qatar continues to position itself as a regional hub for commerce and events, especially after its successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has welcomed the decision, describing it as a step forward in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. A spokesperson noted that the Ghanaian government sees the move as part of a larger pattern of positive engagement between Ghana and Gulf nations, especially in areas like trade, investment, aviation, and labour exchange.
“This is an exciting development for Ghanaian travelers and an opportunity to deepen our mutual cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange,” a Ministry official stated.
Qatar and Ghana have steadily built strong ties over the past decade, marked by bilateral agreements in aviation, petroleum, and infrastructure development. Qatar Airways has been flying directly to Accra since 2020, and many Ghanaian workers have found employment opportunities in Qatar through bilateral labour agreements.
The new visa-free arrangement is expected to increase the volume of travelers, especially in the aviation and hospitality sectors, where Qatar hopes to attract more tourists from Africa.
In addition to Ghana, Qatar extended visa-free access to:
Kenya
Morocco
South Africa
This selective inclusion of African nations is seen as part of Qatar’s broader Africa engagement strategy, with these countries demonstrating strong economic stability, diplomatic ties, and tourism cooperation.
Though Ghanaians will no longer need a visa for entry, travelers are advised to:
Hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Show proof of accommodation or hotel bookings.
Possess a return or onward ticket.
Show evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
Further clarifications are expected from Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and airlines operating between Ghana and Doha.
This visa-free policy signals a growing recognition of Ghana’s global standing and is likely to encourage other countries in the Gulf and beyond to consider similar arrangements with Ghana.
For Ghanaians seeking global mobility, business opportunities, or simply leisure travel to the Middle East, Qatar’s new policy opens up a range of new possibilities.