The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians travelling to South Africa for medical treatment to obtain the appropriate visa if their treatment is expected to extend beyond the 90-day visa-free period.
In a travel advisory issued on October 6, 2026, the Ministry said Ghanaian ordinary passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry into South Africa for stays of up to 90 days.
However, it stressed that the visa-free arrangement is intended for short-term visits and does not apply to prolonged or recurring medical treatment, including procedures such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
The Ministry said it had received reports from the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria of immigration compliance challenges involving Ghanaian nationals seeking medical treatment in South Africa.
In one recent case, a Ghanaian national was refused entry at O.R. Tambo International Airport following complications arising from a previous overstay and was subsequently required to return to Ghana.
Although the Mission noted that no causal link had been established between the entry refusal and the individual’s subsequent passing, the Ministry said the incident highlighted the potential consequences of non-compliance with South Africa’s immigration requirements.
It explained that under Section 17 of South Africa’s Immigration Act, 2002, foreign nationals requiring medical treatment exceeding three months are required to obtain a Medical Treatment Visa.
The relevant regulations provide for such visas to be issued for renewable six-month periods and, in specific circumstances, for periods of up to 24 months.
The Ministry therefore strongly advised Ghanaians planning to travel to South Africa for prolonged or recurring medical treatment to obtain the appropriate Medical Treatment Visa before travelling.
Prospective medical travellers were also encouraged to ensure that their visa arrangements adequately covered the anticipated duration of their treatment to avoid unintended overstays, possible refusal of entry or disruption to ongoing medical care.
Ghanaians already in South Africa for medical treatment have been advised to remain mindful of the validity of their immigration status and take the necessary steps to regularise their stay where required.
They may also contact the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for appropriate consular assistance.
The Ministry said, through the Ghana High Commission, it would continue engaging South African authorities and monitoring developments concerning immigration requirements affecting Ghanaian medical travellers.
It reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to and residing abroad.
Read the statement below:
READ ALSO:
High Commission sends warning to Ghanaians in South Africa ahead of planned protests
‘If that is the thank you we get, no problem’ – Ablakwa reacts to…
