Togo has announced a landmark visa exemption policy for Africans, granting citizens across the continent visa-free entry for up to 30 days as part of efforts to position the country as a hub for business, tourism, and people-to-people exchange in Africa.
The travel reform took effect yesterday, May 18, 2026, under the directive of President of the Council, Faure Gnassingbé, in line with Pan-African ideals and broader efforts to deepen regional integration and continental solidarity.
The exemption applies at all air, land, and sea entry points into Togolese territory.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Security, Colonel Calixte Batassie Maldjoubа, the policy covers holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports from African countries. The reform is aimed at promoting intra-African trade, free movement, and stronger cooperation among African states.
“This measure reflects the ongoing commitment of the highest Togolese authorities to promote African integration, strengthen the free movement of people and goods, and foster increased cooperation among the states and peoples of the continent,” the statement said.
Despite the visa exemption, Togolese authorities stressed that all existing security, immigration, and public health requirements remain in force. African travellers are still required to complete prior registration before entering the country within the 30-day visa-free period.
Travellers must submit their travel declarations through the government’s dedicated immigration platform at least 24 hours before arrival in order to obtain an entry travel document.
“In this regard, the immigration formalities relating to prior registration on the dedicated government platform remain in effect. Travelers concerned must submit their travel declaration on the platform voyage.gouv.tg at least twenty-four (24) hours before their arrival in order to obtain a travel document to present at border crossings. This document constitutes a prior administrative and security formality,” the statement added.
The minister further clarified that the reforms do not diminish Togo’s authority to enforce immigration, border security, and national policing laws against illegal entry or unlawful residence.
The announcement comes amid sharp continental contrasts, particularly in South Africa, where vigilante anti-immigrant groups have reportedly targeted foreign African nationals, sparking tensions across the continent.
Ghana is also expected to implement similar visa reforms for Africans beginning May 25, 2026, in commemoration of African Day.
ogo’s visa-free initiative is expected to significantly boost regional trade, tourism, labour mobility, and continental economic integration under the broader African free movement agenda. The reforms come as Togo continues to strengthen its position as a major cross-border trade hub in West Africa.
In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, Togo recorded exports worth 253.5 billion CFA francs, with key regional markets including Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Ghana. Ghana accounted for about 6.4 per cent of Togo’s export destinations during the period.
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