TOUGHA calls for downward review of Ghana’s $260 emergency entry visa fee

The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has called on Government to urgently review downward the US$260 fee for Ghana’s Emergency Entry Visa, describing the current charge as prohibitively high and a potential deterrent to international travellers considering Ghana as a destination. Speaking on behalf of the Union, the President of TOUGHA, Yvonne Donkor said while the Union welcomes the decision to migrate the application process for the Emergency Entry Visa onto Ghana’s e-Visa platform, the cost of the visa remains a major concern for inbound tour operators and their international clients. “We welcome the move to bring the Emergency Entry Visa onto the e-Visa platform because it is an important step towards making Ghana’s visa application process more efficient, transparent and convenient. However, the convenience of the application process must be matched by a fee structure that supports, rather than undermines, the competitiveness of our tourism industry,” the TOUGHA President said. According to the Union, the US$260 charge is particularly concerning for inbound tour operators whose businesses depend on attracting international visitors, often in highly competitive markets where travellers have several destinations from which to choose. The President noted that emergency visas serve an important purpose, particularly for travellers who need to enter Ghana at short notice because of unforeseen circumstances, urgent business, family obligations or last-minute travel arrangements. Such travellers may have limited alternatives and are therefore especially sensitive to the cost and ease of obtaining entry clearance. “Tourism is a highly competitive global industry. Travellers compare destinations not only on attractions and experiences but also on accessibility, cost and the ease of travelling. When an emergency visa costs US$260, we risk creating the perception that Ghana is an expensive or difficult destination, particularly when compared with competing destinations that offer more affordable or more flexible visa arrangements,” she said. TOUGHA believes that a more moderate fee would be in the broader economic interest of the country. International visitors contribute not only to tour operators but also to hotels, restaurants, transport companies, tourist attractions, guides, artisans, event organisers, airlines and communities that depend on tourism-related expenditure. The Union therefore believes that Government should consider the potential economic value of the additional visitors that a more affordable emergency visa could attract, rather than focusing solely on revenue generated from the visa charge itself. The President further stressed that the call for a review should not be interpreted as opposition to Government's efforts to strengthen Ghana's border management, immigration procedures or visa administration. Rather, TOUGHA is advocating for a balance between national interests and the need to maintain Ghana's competitiveness as a tourism destination. 10 new aircraft, new companies to inspire youth into aerospace careers “We fully recognise the importance of effective immigration controls and the need for Government to recover the administrative costs associated with visa processing. Our concern is that the fee should be proportionate and should not inadvertently discourage the very visitors whose expenditure supports thousands of livelihoods across the tourism value chain,” Yvonne said. The Union maintains that Ghana has enormous potential to become one of Africa's leading tourism destinations and that policies governing access to the country must be designed with this ambition in mind. A downward review of the Emergency Entry Visa fee, TOUGHA argues, would send a positive signal to international travellers and the global tourism trade that Ghana is committed to becoming a more accessible, competitive and visitor-friendly destination. AM #TrendingGH: 'We have used it for years' - Traders speak on Ethemax use Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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