Togo Announces Visa-Free Entry for Africans Amid Regional Mobility Debate at Biashara Afrika Conference

By Pa Modou Cham

The Togolese government has announced a visa-free entry policy for African nationals, a move that comes shortly after concerns over visa accessibility and intra-African mobility were raised during the opening of the 3rd edition of the Biashara Afrika Conference in Lomé.

In a communiqué issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, Minister of Security Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba confirmed that citizens of African countries holding valid national passports will now be exempted from obtaining visas to enter Togo for stays of up to 30 days.

The decision, which took immediate effect, is being viewed by many as a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns about barriers to movement across the continent, an issue repeatedly highlighted by policymakers, business leaders, and civil society actors during continental trade and integration forums.

At the opening of the Biashara Afrika Conference in Lomé, speakers stressed that restrictive visa regimes continue to undermine the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly in facilitating business mobility, investment, tourism, and regional integration.

Togo’s latest policy announcement appears to align with those discussions, as the government stated that the exemption reflects its commitment to African integration, free movement of people and goods, and strengthened cooperation among African states.

“This measure translates the constant desire of the highest Togolese authorities to promote African integration,” the communiqué stated.

Authorities further explained that the reform forms part of a broader strategy to position Togo as a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchange within Africa.

Despite the visa exemption, the government emphasized that travelers must still comply with immigration, health, and security requirements. Visitors are required to complete a travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival through the government platform, https://voyage.gouv.tg, and present the generated travel slip at border entry points.

The Ministry of Security also clarified that the new policy does not affect laws relating to irregular migration, illegal stay, or national security enforcement.

Immigration and security services across land, air, and maritime borders have been instructed to ensure the effective implementation of the new directive.