Chad Opens Visa-Free Entry To Nigerians, Other Africans

The Republic of Chad has announced plans to introduce visa-free entry for citizens of all African countries, with the new policy set to take effect from January 1, 2027.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby said the decision was aimed at promoting African integration and making the free movement of people and goods across the continent more practical.

Déby said removing visa requirements for African nationals would strengthen relationships among countries on the continent while encouraging greater movement across national borders.

The Chadian leader described the policy as part of the country’s commitment to the broader objectives of African unity and regional integration.

The development is also expected to ease travel for African tourists, businesspeople and other visitors seeking to enter Chad for legitimate purposes.

Chad’s decision places it among a growing number of African countries adopting broad visa-free entry arrangements for citizens of other African nations.

Countries reported to have introduced similar policies include Benin Republic, The Gambia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya and Togo.

Togo announced in May that African nationals holding valid passports would be permitted to enter the country without obtaining visas.

The latest decision by Chad is expected to further strengthen efforts toward easier movement of Africans across the continent and support greater tourism, trade and economic cooperation among African countries.