Nigerians will be able to travel to Chad and the Republic of the Congo without obtaining visas from January 1, 2027, following decisions by the two African countries to waive entry visa requirements for citizens of all African nations.

The new policies will allow Nigerian passport holders to enter both countries without securing entry visas before travelling.

The measures form part of efforts by both countries to encourage easier movement across the continent, deepen African integration and facilitate travel and trade among African nations.

Chad is scheduled to scrap visa requirements for citizens of African countries from January 1, 2027.

President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced the decision in July 2026, with the policy aimed at promoting the movement of people and goods across Africa.

The visa waiver will mean Nigerians and other African nationals can travel to Chad without applying for an entry visa beforehand.

In a similar move, the Republic of the Congo, commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, will also lift visa requirements for African nationals from January 1, 2027.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso disclosed the decision at the 2026 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings held in Brazzaville.

He said that from the effective date, citizens of all African countries would be allowed to enter the Republic of the Congo without visas, subject to minimal administrative and security provisions.

The move is expected to contribute to efforts to improve the free movement of Africans across the continent and strengthen regional integration, while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area. (Nigerian Tribune)

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