Togo abolishes visa requirements for all Africans for 30 days

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

The Togolese government has abolished visa requirements for citizens of all African countries, allowing visa holders passports The African visa-free entry to the country for stays of up to 30 days is the latest attempt by African countries to facilitate travel across the continent.

The decision strengthens cooperation across the continent's borders.

The country's security minister, Calixte Madjolbeh, revealed in a statement on Monday that the decision aims to deepen regional integration and strengthen cross-border cooperation on the continent.

Madjolbba linked the new directive, which came into effect on Sunday, to the country's commitment to regional integration and comprehensive African cooperation.

The West African nation also seeks to establish itself as a regional hub for trade, services, culture and investment.

African integration

“This measure reflects the enduring desire of the highest Togolese authorities to promote African integration, strengthen the free movement of people and goods, and encourage greater cooperation between the countries and peoples of the continent.”

The statement read: “It forms part of the policy of openness, modernization and attractiveness initiated by the President of the Council, with the aim of making Togo a regional hub for services, business, culture and human exchange in the heart of Africa.”.

However, the minister stressed that the visa exemption does not supersede laws relating to illegal entry, unauthorized residence, or national security measures.

According to Mr. Madjolbeh, although visa requirements have been abolished, travelers will still have to comply with immigration, health and security procedures before entering the country.

“The Minister of Security notes that the visa exemption, for a maximum period of thirty (30) days, does not exempt travelers from complying with applicable security, immigration and public health requirements upon entry into national territory.”

The statement added: “The visa exemption procedure does not prevent the application of legal and regulatory provisions relating to irregular entry, illegal residence, or administrative police and national security measures.”.

Under the new rules, visitors must complete an online travel declaration through the government’s official platform at least 24 hours before arrival.

This process results in the issuance of a travel permit that must be presented at border entry points as part of mandatory administrative and security checks.

The Togolese government said that all relevant agencies and border authorities have been instructed to ensure the immediate implementation of the policy across land, air and sea entry points.

The decision could lead to improved regional mobility and encourage tourism, trade and business travel within West Africa and the wider African continent.

Togo’s new travel policy is in line with the broader goals of the African Union, including promoting freedom of movement across the continent through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Lomé is the latest African country to adopt this policy, following Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya, which recently expanded visa-free access for African travelers.

The Premium Times reported that Nigeria reciprocated last Friday by granting Rwanda visa-free entry for 30 days.

Ease of mobility is widely seen as essential for increasing trade and economic cooperation within Africa.

This policy is symbolic, especially as it promotes African ideals of unity, solidarity and regional integration among countries.

It is worth noting that the authorities require prior registration via the official platform (voyage.gouv.tg) 24 hours before arrival.