Explained: Understanding free visa and visa-free travel

What's the difference between free-visa travel and visa-free travel? The two terms may sound confusing to some people.

For example, during a visit to Accra by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday, 1 April, Ghana's President John Mahama announced that his country would implement a free-visa regime for all Africans beginning from 25 May.

Earlier in February, when Mahama visited Zambia, the two countries announced visa-free entry for each other's citizens.

Do you think the two terms are the same? Trust me, they're not.

Let's break it down

With visa-free travel, you don't need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to.

For example, you're a Nigerian heading to Ghana. With visa-free travel, you just pack your bags and go! No visa application, no visa payment, and no waiting.

Just get your flight or bus ticket and go.

Now, let's look at a free visa, which is different.

Under this arrangement, you need to apply for a visa with the supporting documents, but the country you're travelling to waives the fees, meaning you won't pay for the visa.

For example, Ghana's latest decision to grant a free visa to all Africans means travellers still need to apply for a visa and get approval before embarking on their journey. But they won't pay any visa application fees.

Pan-Africanism

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Akudzeto Ablakwa said the free visa policy for all Africans ‘’forms part of a broader effort to position Ghana as a leader in Pan-African unity.’’

 The West African country seeks to ‘’consolidate its credentials as the cradle of Pan-Africanism even as it expects a major boost in tourism and intra-African trade by this groundbreaking reform,” Ablakwa added in a statement.

For travellers whose countries already have a visa-free travel agreement with Ghana, they don't need to apply for a visa or pay for it.

Less complicated

There's another concept that countries around the world use – visa on arrival.

In this case, you get your visa when you land in the country. No need to apply beforehand; you just show up, usually pay a fee, and get the visa instantly – no long waiting.

Many countries offer visa on arrival to tourists or business travellers.

All three concepts are awesome. They are less complicated, less time-consuming and cheaper compared to the usual strict visa requirements or restrictions some countries adopt.

So, when planning to travel, remember to check which one applies to you based on your nationality or passport.