Officials flying between Slovakia and Ghana still need visas for now

Ghana and the Slovak Republic are exploring a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The idea came up during a meeting in Accra on Monday, 9 November 2026, but no agreement has been signed and no start date has been announced.

Key facts

• What: a possible visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders
• Who discussed it: Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Slovakia's non-resident Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, Martin Podstavek
• When and where: at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on 9 November 2026
• Status: proposal under discussion; no deal signed, no effective date and no terms published
• Scope: as described, only diplomatic and service passports are covered

What is being considered?

The two governments are looking at a visa waiver arrangement for travellers holding diplomatic or service passports. The proposal was raised when Minister Ablakwa received Ambassador-Designate Podstavek's open letters in Accra. The Ministry did not give details of how the waiver would work, which passport categories would qualify or when it might take effect.

Who would be affected?

As outlined so far, the arrangement would apply to holders of diplomatic and service passports. Nothing in the announcement extends visa-free travel to ordinary passport holders, and no change to standard tourist or business visa requirements for either country has been announced.

When would it start?

No timeline has been given. The visa waiver remains a proposal under discussion, with no signing date, entry-into-force date, permitted length of stay or application procedure published.

Why is this happening?

According to the Ministry, the visa waiver idea forms part of wider efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in the automotive industry, electric vehicles, banking, pharmaceuticals, mass transportation, and defence and security.

Minister Ablakwa said Ghana was ready to deepen relations with Slovakia, particularly in areas that could promote economic growth. Ambassador-Designate Podstavek called for stronger political and economic consultations and proposed reviewing existing bilateral agreements so they reflect the changing needs of the partnership.

What this means for travellers

Diplomatic and service passport holders travelling between Ghana and Slovakia should watch for a formal agreement before assuming any visa exemption applies. Nothing changes for them until a deal is concluded and its conditions are published. Travellers on ordinary passports should continue to check current visa requirements, as no change for them has been announced.

Meanwhile, Podstavek announced plans for a Ghana–Slovak Business Forum to be held in Slovakia this year and urged greater participation by Ghanaian businesses. He also said he hoped Ghana would host a similar business forum in 2027.