In a significant step toward strengthening ties with the African continent, Grenadian citizens can now travel visa-free to both Ghana and Benin, following new diplomatic agreements announced by Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visa waiver agreements, which took effect immediately, mark a milestone in Grenada’s foreign policy, aimed at deepening historical connections and expanding engagement across Africa.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roxie Hutchinson, hailed the development, stating:
“These visa waiver agreements mark a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between Grenada, Ghana, and Benin. By removing this barrier, we are fostering greater opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange, and economic partnership.”
She added that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring greater global mobility and access for Grenadian citizens.
- Grenada and Benin: Citizens holding diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports can now enter, stay, transit through, or depart without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period from the date of first entry.
- Grenada and Ghana: Citizens are exempt from visa requirements for entry, stay, transit, or departure for up to 30 days within any 180-day period from the first date of entry.
This development is part of Grenada’s broader efforts to enhance cooperation with African nations, promoting shared values, cultural heritage, and mutual interests. The visa-free access is expected to boost trade, tourism, and educational exchanges, while encouraging stronger economic partnerships.
In a statement, the Ministry noted that Grenada, Ghana, and Benin are committed to building deeper partnerships that create new opportunities for their peoples under this progressive initiative.
The announcement follows several diplomatic engagements between the countries. In May 2024, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a strategic partnership with Grenada, particularly in the creative arts sector.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada on May 17, 2024, Minister Mercer highlighted ongoing cooperation and referenced the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed in February 2024 covering Culture, Trade, and Education.
This move reflects a shared vision for greater collaboration between Grenada and African nations, underpinned by historical ties and a commitment to building lasting global partnerships.