Ghana and Saint Kitts and Nevis have taken a historic step towards strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations with the signing of a visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders. The agreement builds on an earlier waiver covering diplomatic and official passport holders and it is expected to support tourism, investment and stronger people-to-people ties. Signed during Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew’s official visit to Ghana, the deal reflects growing efforts by African and Caribbean leaders to transform shared historical ties into practical cooperation.
Ghana and Saint Kitts and Nevis have signed a landmark visa waiver agreement allowing holders of ordinary passports to travel between both countries without visas. Signed during Prime Minister Terrance Drew’s official visit to Ghana in March 2026, the agreement reflects growing efforts to strengthen Africa–Caribbean ties through mobility, trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Ghana currently exports products including cocoa, processed foods, wood and other commodities to Caribbean markets, although trade remains below its potential. President John Dramani Mahama and Prime Minister Drew described the deal as a significant step towards deeper bilateral cooperation.
“I’m pleased to announce that Ghana and St. Kate St. Nevis have agreed to extend our 2018 visa waiver agreement.This was previously applicable to holders of only diplomatic and service passports. Now this extension of the visa waiver includes holders of ordinary passports. We stand in solidarity with Saint Kitts and Nevis in advocating for climate justice, equitable access to climate finance, and reform of global financial institutions to reflect the realities of developing nations”.
John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic – Ghana
The agreement aligns with broader efforts to expand Africa-Caribbean partnerships, including under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which links 55 African countries with a combined market of more than 1.4 billion people. Leaders say improved mobility can help unlock new opportunities in commerce, tourism, education and investment between both regions.
“We believe there are tremendous opportunities before us to expand economic cooperation, encourage cultural exchange, promote educational collaboration, and create meaningful opportunities for all of our people, especially our youth”.
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister – Saint Kitts and Nevis
Beyond facilitating travel, the visa waiver complements growing bilateral cooperation, including labour mobility and healthcare partnerships. In June 2026, Saint Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 Ghanaian health professionals under a bilateral labour agreement, reflecting expanding people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“ We have a scarcity of healthcare professionals. And we already have a number of Ghanaian nurses who have come to St. Kitts and Nevis. They started to work, I think, within the last three to four weeks. And I can say to you without a doubt that they are well received, they are well trained, the people have received them well, and I’ve been asked to ask His Excellency the President for more Ghanaian nurses.”
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister – Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Ghana-Saint Kitts and Nevis visa waiver agreement signals a shift towards practical Africa-Caribbean cooperation, as both regions seek to transform historical connections into stronger economic, social and cultural partnerships.
