The government of Togo has abolished entry visa requirements for all African citizens holding valid national passports, a move aimed at strengthening continental integration and facilitating easier movement across Africa.
The decision was announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, in an official communiqué issued by the country’s Ministry of Security and signed by Security Minister Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.
According to the Togolese government, the new policy underscores the country’s commitment to African integration, the free movement of people and goods, and deeper cooperation among African nations and citizens.
The visa exemption took immediate effect on May 18, 2026.
Authorities said the policy is part of Togo’s broader agenda of openness, modernization, and economic attractiveness under the leadership of the President of the Council, to position the country as a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchange.
The government added that the decision reflects its commitment to Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and regional integration.
However, the visa waiver applies only to visits of up to 30 days. Travellers must still comply with all applicable security, immigration, and public health regulations.
African visitors are also required to complete a pre-arrival registration process by submitting a travel declaration form through the government’s designated platform at least 24 hours before arrival. Upon completion, travellers will receive a travel slip, known as a bordereau de voyage, which must be presented at border entry points.
Authorities explained that the document serves as a preliminary administrative and security requirement for entry into the country.
The government further clarified that the visa-free policy does not exempt travellers from laws governing irregular migration, illegal stay, or national security measures.
Relevant government agencies and border authorities have been directed to implement the policy immediately across all land, air, and maritime entry points into Togo.
The development comes amid growing calls across Africa for easier cross-border travel to boost trade, tourism, regional cooperation, and economic integration.
According to the April 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Passport Index, Nigeria’s visa-free destinations declined to 44, down from 46 in January 2025 and 45 in January 2024.
Of those destinations, 18 are African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
The policy is expected to further advance discussions on intra-African mobility at a time when tighter immigration policies in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia are making migration outside the continent increasingly difficult for many Africans.
