Chad

Author: Gist Correspondent

The governments of Chad and the Republic of the Congo have announced that Nigerians will be able to enter their countries without visas from January 1, 2027, under new policies aimed at promoting the free movement of Africans across the continent.

The visa waiver will allow holders of Nigerian passports to travel to both countries without obtaining entry visas before departure, alongside citizens of other African nations.

The decisions are part of broader efforts to strengthen regional integration, boost intra-African trade and tourism, and advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Chad's President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, unveiled the policy in July 2026, saying the measure would encourage the seamless movement of people and goods across Africa.

Under the new arrangement, all African nationals, including Nigerians, will enjoy visa-free entry into Chad from the effective date.

Similarly, the Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, will abolish visa requirements for African citizens from January 1, 2027.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced the decision during the 2026 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, stating that travellers from African countries would be admitted without visas, subject only to basic administrative and security procedures.

The twin initiatives are expected to deepen continental integration, ease cross-border travel, and support economic cooperation among African nations.