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

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians travelling to South Africa for medical treatment expected to last beyond 90 days to obtain the appropriate Medical Treatment Visa before travelling.

The advisory, issued today, follows reports of immigration compliance challenges involving Ghanaian nationals seeking medical care in South Africa. Ghanaian ordinary passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry into South Africa for stays of up to 90 days.

However, the Ministry said the visa-free arrangement is intended for short-term visits and does not cover prolonged or recurring medical treatment, including procedures such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.

According to the Ministry, it has received reports from the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria concerning Ghanaian medical travelers who have encountered difficulties with South African immigration authorities.

In one recent case, a Ghanaian national was refused entry at O.R. Tambo International Airport following complications linked to a previous overstay and was subsequently required to return to Ghana.

The Ministry stressed that although no causal link had been established between the entry refusal and the individual’s subsequent passing, the incident underscored the potential consequences of failing to comply with South Africa’s immigration requirements.

It further cited Section 17 of South Africa’s Immigration Act, 2002, which requires foreign nationals whose medical treatment will exceed three months to obtain a Medical Treatment Visa.

The relevant regulations provide for the issuance of such visas for renewable six-month periods and, in specific circumstances, for periods of up to 24 months.The Ministry therefore urged Ghanaians planning prolonged or recurring medical treatment in South Africa to secure the appropriate visa before travelling.

It also advised prospective medical travelers to ensure that their visa arrangements adequately cover the anticipated duration of their treatment to avoid unintended overstays, possible refusal of entry or disruptions to ongoing medical care. Ghanaians already in South Africa for medical treatment have also been urged to remain mindful of the validity of their immigration status and take the necessary steps to regularize their stay where required.

The Ministry encouraged affected nationals to maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria for appropriate consular assistance.It said the Ghana High Commission would continue engaging relevant South African authorities and monitoring developments concerning immigration requirements affecting Ghanaian medical travelers.

The Ministry said the advisory formed part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to and residing abroad.

By Jesse Otoo