Togo has announced that it will now allow visa-free entry for African passport holders, in a move aimed at strengthening regional integration and facilitating the free movement of people across the continent. Since May 18, African travellers holding valid passports can enter Togo without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, according to a statement from the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection.
Online travel declaration required
Travellers will, however, be required to complete an online travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival. They will then receive a document that must be presented at border checkpoints.
The ministry said the measure reflects “the constant commitment of the highest authorities to promote African integration, strengthen the free movement of people and goods, and encourage closer cooperation between states and peoples across the continent.”
It added that the policy aligns with the government’s broader strategy of openness and modernization under the leadership of the head of government, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, aiming to position Togo as a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchange.
A step toward African mobility
Free movement of people across Africa remains limited, despite ongoing efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which came into effect in 2021.
Only a small number of African countries currently offer visa-free access to all African nationals, including Benin, Ghana, Rwanda, Seychelles, and The Gambia.
In recent years, several states have taken steps to ease travel restrictions. Kenya introduced short-stay visa exemptions for most African countries in 2024, while Angola announced in 2023 visa waivers for visitors from 98 countries, including several African states, in an effort to boost tourism and economic activity.
Despite these initiatives, experts note that full continental free movement remains a major challenge, as infrastructure, security concerns, and administrative barriers continue to slow implementation of Africa’s integration goals.
Leave a comment