African nations are actively streamlining travel procedures to bolster tourism, commerce, and economic cohesion. Both Chad and the Republic of the Congo have committed to scrapping visa mandates for fellow Africans starting January 1, 2027. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby stated this policy is designed to foster continental unity and facilitate the seamless passage of people and commodities. Similarly, President Denis Sassou-Nguesso confirmed that the Republic of the Congo will implement an identical policy on that same date to encourage regional cooperation.
These initiatives align with the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to dismantle movement barriers. Despite progress, the African Development Bank’s 2025 Visa Openness Index reports that only 28.2 percent of intra-African travel occurs without a visa. Beyond Chad and the Congo, several other nations have moved toward easier access.
Togo began allowing visa-free entry for African passport holders on May 18, 2026, for stays up to 30 days, provided visitors submit an online declaration 24 hours prior. Rwanda continues to support easy entry via visa-free or visa-on-arrival schemes to cement its status as a business and conference hub. Ghana recently eliminated visa fees for African travelers starting May 25, 2026, though standard security documentation remains necessary.
Benin and The Gambia also maintain open-border policies to stimulate investment and tourism within their borders. Finally, Seychelles serves as a prominent example of openness, offering visa-free entry to all, provided that standard immigration protocols are satisfied upon arrival.