Togo Removes Visa Requirement for Africans

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The Togolese government has announced the removal of visa requirements for nationals of all African countries travelling into the country for short stays. The announcement was made in a statement issued by Togo’s Ministry of Security and signed by the minister, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba. According to the government, the policy took effect on Sunday, May 18, 2026.

Under the new arrangement, African nationals holding valid passports can now enter Togo without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The government said the decision forms part of efforts to deepen African integration, promote the free movement of people and goods and position Togo as a regional hub for trade, services, culture and investment.

“It forms part of the policy of openness, modernisation and attractiveness initiated by the President of the Council, with the ambition of making Togo a regional hub for services, business, culture and human exchange at the heart of Africa,” the government said partly in its announcement.

The government also linked the decision to broader Pan-African goals and commitments to continental solidarity and regional cooperation. Despite the visa waiver, authorities noted that travellers would still be required to comply with immigration, health and security procedures before entering the country.

According to the ministry, travellers must complete an online travel declaration through the government’s official platform at least 24 hours before arrival. The process will generate a travel slip that must be presented at border entry points as part of mandatory administrative and security checks.

“The visa exemption, for a maximum duration of thirty days, does not exempt travellers from complying with security, immigration and public health requirements applicable upon entry into national territory,” the statement added.

The ministry further stressed that the policy does not override laws relating to irregular entry, illegal stay or national security measures.

Authorities said all relevant agencies and border officials had been directed to ensure immediate implementation of the policy across land, air and sea entry points.

Togo joins countries such as Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya, which have recently expanded visa-free access for African travellers as part of wider African Union integration goals, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).