Amanze Chinonye
Chad will abolish entry visa requirements for citizens of all African countries from January 1, 2027, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has announced, Prime Business Africa reports.
Déby made the announcement in N’Djamena during the opening of the two-day African Water Forum, saying the decision would make the free movement of people and goods across the continent a practical reality.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Chad will open its borders and abolish entry visas for all Africans, effective January 1, 2027,” Déby said in his opening remarks.
READ ALSO :
The policy will allow African nationals to enter Chad without obtaining an entry visa, although travellers will remain subject to applicable immigration, passport and border-control requirements.
Chad will become the eighth African country to adopt a blanket visa-free policy for citizens of other African countries, according to the information provided.
Other countries cited as having similar arrangements include Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya and Togo.
Togo announced in May that African nationals holding valid passports could enter the country without visas.
The policy comes amid broader efforts by African countries to ease restrictions on intra-African travel and promote regional trade and economic integration.
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) welcomed Chad’s decision, saying the removal of visa barriers could facilitate intra-African trade, tourism, investment, skills exchange and employment.
READ MORE :
Nigeria Commences 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Rwandan Nationals
In a statement issued in Lomé, Togo, ITUC-Africa also urged Chad to establish clear administrative procedures and safeguards for migrant workers, including protection against discrimination, exploitation, forced labour and abusive recruitment practices.
The organisation called on other African governments to accelerate implementation of the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment.
ITUC-Africa said greater freedom of movement would complement efforts to deepen economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
