Togo has announced a new visa-free policy allowing citizens of African countries to enter and stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa, in a move aimed at strengthening continental integration and cross-border mobility.
The policy took effect on Monday and applies to holders of valid African passports travelling into Togo through land borders, airports and seaports.
The announcement was made by Calixte Madjoulba, who said the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Togolese government to encourage economic cooperation, regional connectivity and freer movement within Africa.
According to the minister, the measure reflects the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional destination for commerce, investment, tourism and cultural exchange.
Madjoulba said the decision was also in line with ongoing efforts across the continent to remove travel barriers among African states.
“It is part of the policy of openness, modernization and attractiveness initiated by the President of the Council, with the ambition of making Togo a regional centre for business, culture and human exchange in Africa,” he said.
Authorities, however, clarified that the visa exemption does not remove existing immigration and security procedures for travellers entering the country.
Under the arrangement, visitors from African countries will still be required to submit a travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival and obtain an entry document to be presented at border control points.
The government described the process as an administrative and security measure designed to ensure proper monitoring of entries into the country.
Madjoulba also warned that the policy should not be interpreted as approval for illegal migration, unauthorised residency or violations of national security regulations.
The latest move places Togo among a growing list of African nations adopting visa-free or simplified entry policies for citizens of African Union member states.
Countries including Rwanda and Kenya have previously implemented similar policies as part of efforts to promote intra-African trade and regional integration.
Observers say the policy aligns with the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 initiative and the proposed African passport scheme, both of which advocate easier movement of Africans across the continent.
Advocates of the initiative argue that easing travel restrictions could help unlock economic opportunities, deepen cultural ties and improve cooperation among African nations.
The announcement also comes shortly after Nigeria introduced a reciprocal 30-day visa-free entry arrangement for Rwandan citizens in response to Rwanda’s existing open-border policy for Africans.
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