Chad to remove entry visas for African citizens starting in 2027

Thursday 16 July 2026 - 09:57

By: Sahili Aya

Chad to remove entry visas for African citizens starting in 2027

Chad will abolish entry visa requirements for all African citizens from January 1, 2027, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced on Wednesday, presenting the decision as a step toward greater continental integration and freedom of movement across Africa.

Speaking at the opening of the African Water Forum in N'Djamena, the Chadian leader said the country was choosing to “open its borders” to African nationals as part of a broader commitment to strengthening exchanges between African countries.

The measure aims to facilitate the movement of people, goods and skills while supporting economic cooperation and closer ties between nations on the continent.

Chad joins a limited group of visa-free African destinations

With this decision, Chad will become one of the few African countries to offer full visa exemption to all citizens of the continent.

Currently, only a small number of African states have implemented similar policies, including Rwanda, Benin, Gambia, Seychelles, Kenya, Togo and Ghana.

The move places Chad within a growing continental movement advocating fewer travel restrictions between African states.

A policy aligned with African Union ambitions

The visa reform reflects the objectives promoted by the African Union, which has long encouraged African governments to gradually reduce visa barriers in order to improve regional integration.

Supporters of greater mobility argue that easier travel could boost intra-African tourism, encourage business partnerships and create new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

The initiative is also linked to broader efforts to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving connections between markets and populations.

Congo announces similar move for 2027

Chad’s announcement comes as other African countries move toward similar policies. During the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank held in Brazzaville in late May, Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso also announced plans to remove visa requirements for African nationals from January 1, 2027.

The parallel announcements highlight a growing trend among African governments seeking to accelerate regional connectivity and promote a more integrated continent.