Since May 18, 2026, Togo has implemented a visa exemption policy for African citizens. The country thus joins Seychelles, Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya in the drive toward opening African borders and strengthening free movement across the continent.
Togo is now opening its territory to African citizens without visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days. Announced by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the measure is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area’s broader drive to accelerate economic integration, regional mobility and intra-African trade. Presented in Lomé during the inaugural Conference on Competition Policy and Law held on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, the initiative was defended by Togo’s Minister of Economy and Strategic Monitoring as a logical step toward the construction of a single African market.
« I am convinced that through this decision, other countries will follow the same path so that when traveling to Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria or anywhere else in Africa, Africans will no longer need this formality.
Badanam Patoki, Minister of Economy and Strategic Monitoring – Togo
The Togolese authorities are counting on increased trade flows, tourism and regional investment. The decision also comes amid the announced reduction of nearly 40 percent in airline ticket costs within the West African region in order to facilitate travel across the continent. Several economic stakeholders believe that the combination of lower transport costs and visa-free travel could strengthen traffic through African airports and support the development of sectors linked to tourism, hospitality, culture and leisure. For professional organizations in the tourism sector, the measure forms part of a broader effort to bring African economies closer together and promote regional heritage.
« “ At the level of the Federation of Tourism Enterprises, we support this initiative and we will do everything possible to help populations understand the importance of tourism, the importance of heritage, and the importance of investment in tourism infrastructure, which will emerge today to help our populations live in peace and security.
Kossi Sambigou Nanika, President, Federation of Tourism and Hospitality Businesses – Togo
Beyond the movement of people, the African Continental Free Trade Area is presented by its promoters as a driver of Africa’s industrialization through the local transformation of raw materials, job creation and the strengthening of the competitiveness of African economies. With this reform, Togo joins the still limited group of African states supporting visa-free movement for citizens of the continent. A strong political signal at a time when several countries are accelerating the concrete implementation of the African single market.
