Ghana advises medical travellers to SA to obtain visas for prolonged treatment

The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned Ghanaians planning to receive medical treatment in South Africa for more than 90 days to obtain a Medical Treatment Visa prior to departure. This advice follows immigration compliance issues involving Ghanaian nationals seeking long-term care in South Africa. While ordinary passport holders can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, this arrangement is only for short visits and does not extend to prolonged or recurring medical treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy.

Recent reports from the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria revealed challenges faced by Ghanaian medical travelers who encountered difficulties at South African immigration checkpoints. One such case involved a Ghanaian individual refused entry at O.R. Tambo International Airport due to an overstay and subsequent return to Ghana.

The Ministry emphasized that the visa requirement is mandated by Section 17 of South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002, allowing visas for renewable six-month periods and up to 24 months in specific circumstances. The Ministry urged Ghanaians considering extended medical treatment in South Africa to secure the appropriate visa to avoid overstays, entry refusals, or disruption of medical care.

Those already in South Africa for treatment were advised to verify their visa's validity and regularize their status if needed. The Ministry pledged continued engagement with South African authorities to address any immigration issues affecting Ghanaian travelers.