Reduce E-Visa Fee, Substitute Yellow Card for Compulsory Inbound Visitors Insurance- Tourism Federation Prez Calls on Gov't for Improved Visitor Patronage

President for the Ghana Tourism Federation, Mr. Seth Ocran, has called on the government to review and reduce Ghana’s e-visa fees and replace the usual yellow card requirement with a compulsory inbound visitors insurance as part of measures to make the country more attractive and competitive as a tourism destination.

He argued that in as much as visa administration and health requirements are important for national security and public health, government must adopt policies that improve visitor's experience without imposing excessive financial and administrative burdens.

He proposed that the yellow card, which primarily serves as proof of vaccination against yellow fever, should be replaced or complemented by a compulsory inbound visitors insurance policy that provides tourists with financial protection and access to healthcare during their stay in Ghana.

He explained that an inbound visitors insurance policy relate direct to tourism because yellow fever cards can get lost and the geographical locations defeat the effectiveness of the issuance of the card, thereby providing both tourists and service providers with greater protection.

Mr. Seth also encouraged government to use digital technology to make the visa application process faster, more transparent and accessible to prospective visitors.

He suggested that reducing the cost of single e-visa entry cost of $260, will strengthen visitors receipts, create jobs and support businesses across the hospitality and travel sectors.

Mr. Ocran believes that a more affordable e-visa regime and a modern visitor insurance framework would send a positive signal to the international tourism market and reinforce Ghana’s ambition of becoming a leading tourism and business destination in Africa.

Sompaonline.com// Eric Annan