The government of Togo has scrapped visa requirements for citizens of all African countries travelling into the country for short stays, in a move aimed at deepening regional integration and making movement across the continent easier.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Togo’s Ministry of Security in a statement posted on its official X account.

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Under the new policy, African travellers holding valid national passports can now enter Togo without a visa for up to 30 days.

Authorities described the decision as a major step towards strengthening ties across Africa and positioning Togo as a more open and connected regional hub.

“Togo takes a historic step in strengthening African integration,” the ministry said.

“Henceforth, all nationals of African states holding a valid national passport may enter Togolese territory without a visa, for a stay of up to 30 days.”

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The ministry added that the reform reflects the government’s ambition to make the country “a space of openness, mobility, opportunities, and cooperation at the heart of the African continent.”

Despite the removal of visa requirements, travellers will still need to complete an online travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival in order to obtain a travel slip from the government platform.

The policy places Togo among a growing number of African countries easing travel restrictions for fellow Africans as governments across the continent push for stronger economic ties, tourism growth, and regional cooperation.

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Rwanda recently introduced a similar visa free entry policy for African nationals, a move that drew praise from advocates of greater continental mobility and trade integration.
In response, the government of Nigeria has also begun implementing a 30 day visa exemption policy for Rwandan citizens entering the country.

Analysts say such measures could help reduce barriers to business, improve tourism flows, and advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to create a more integrated African market.

For many African travellers, however, the latest decision is likely to be seen less as a diplomatic gesture and more as a practical change that makes movement across borders simpler, cheaper, and faster.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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