By Business Correspondent
N’Djamena: Chad will abolish entry visa requirements for all African nationals from January 1, 2027, in a move expected to ease cross-border travel and strengthen trade, investment and economic integration across the continent.
The policy was announced by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno during the opening of the African Water Forum in N’Djamena.
“The Chad of Toumaï, cradle of humanity, opens its borders and abolishes entry visas for all Africans from January 1, 2027,” Déby said.
The decision will allow citizens of African countries to enter Chad without obtaining a visa, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy.
According to immigration advisory firm Fragomen, the new regime will apply to African nationals travelling to Chad for tourism and business purposes. The move is intended to advance African integration, facilitate the movement of people and goods and promote investment across the continent.
Boost for business and trade
The removal of visa barriers could make it easier for entrepreneurs, investors, traders and professionals to move between Chad and other African markets.
Businesses operating across borders often face additional costs and delays associated with visa applications, including travel to diplomatic missions, documentation requirements and processing fees.
By removing these requirements, Chad could make it easier for African companies to explore opportunities in the country, attend business meetings, establish partnerships and participate in trade and investment activities.
The policy also comes as African governments seek to increase intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a more integrated continental market.
Easier movement of people is widely regarded as an important component of that ambition because traders and businesses need to be able to move efficiently across borders to take advantage of new markets.
Part of wider African trend
Chad’s announcement adds to a growing movement by African countries to reduce or eliminate visa restrictions for fellow Africans.
The Republic of Congo announced in May that it would also allow all African nationals to enter without visas from January 1, 2027. President Denis Sassou Nguesso made the announcement during Africa Day celebrations held alongside the African Development Bank’s annual meetings in Brazzaville.
Other countries, including Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia and Togo, have adopted visa-free or significantly simplified entry regimes for African travellers.
Rwanda, for example, has been the continent’s leading advocates of easier intra-African movement, while Benin and The Gambia have also opened their borders to African passport holders.
The growing number of visa-free arrangements reflects broader efforts to implement the African Union’s vision of greater freedom of movement and deeper economic integration.
Potential impact on tourism and investment
For Chad, the policy could also provide opportunities to expand tourism and attract more African investors.
The country has significant natural and cultural attractions, but its tourism sector remains relatively underdeveloped compared with some other African destinations.
Removing visa requirements could lower one of the barriers facing potential visitors and investors, particularly those travelling from neighbouring and other African countries.
Greater mobility could also support professional exchanges, conferences, education, cultural activities and cross-border services.
However, visa-free access does not necessarily mean unrestricted movement. Travellers will still be required to meet applicable immigration, security and public-health requirements, while separate rules may apply to people seeking employment or long-term residence.
Supporting continental integration
The policy comes against a backdrop of renewed calls for African countries to reduce barriers to movement as the continent seeks to deepen economic cooperation.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 promotes an integrated Africa in which people, goods and services can move more freely across national borders. The AfCFTA similarly seeks to reduce barriers to trade and create a larger market for African businesses.