Togo sixth African country to grant visa-free entry to Africans

In a major boost for continental integration, Togo has opened its borders to all African citizens, allowing passport holders from across the continent to enter the country visa-free.

The new policy, which took effect on Monday, grants African travelers a 30-day visa exemption, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Security early Tuesday.

In an official statement, Security Minister Calixte Madjoulba emphasised that the decision reflects the Togolese government’s commitment to fostering African unity, easing the movement of people and goods, and strengthening regional cooperation.

He noted that the initiative is part of a broader drive toward openness, modernization, and attractiveness initiated by the President of the Council, with the ultimate ambition of establishing Togo as a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchange in the heart of Africa.

While the policy eliminates traditional visa applications, the ministry stressed that travelers must still comply with standard security, immigration, and public health protocols.

To ensure an orderly process, intending visitors are required to submit an online travel declaration at least 24 hours before their arrival.

This prior administrative and security formality will generate a mandatory travel document that must be presented at border checkpoints.

Minister Madjoulba warned that the visa exemption is not a loophole for irregular entry or illegal residency, noting that national security measures will remain strictly enforced across all land, air, and sea entry points.

With this move, Togo joins a select group of nations, including Rwanda and Kenya, spearheading the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision, which champions a borderless continent and a unified African passport.

While continental free movement has historically faced slow implementation, momentum appears to be building across the region. Just last week, Nigeria reciprocated Rwanda’s open-border policy by granting Rwandan citizens a similar 30-day visa-free entry.

Vanguard News

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