In a historic move, Chad will waive all entry visa requirements for African citizens starting January 1, 2027.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced the sweeping policy change on Wednesday during the high-level African Water Forum.
Speaking in N’Djamena, Déby declared that the land of Toumaï, widely called the cradle of humanity, is opening its borders.
The World Bank co-organized this monumental forum, serving as a fitting stage for a declaration of continental unity.
With this decision, Chad joins a growing, yet still exclusive, coalition of African nations dismantling legacy colonial border restrictions.
Togo successfully abolished similar entry visa requirements earlier this year, paving the way for easier trade and travel.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Congo committed to a matching visa-free policy, also set to take effect on New Year’s Day.
Other trailblazers, including Rwanda, Benin, Gambia, Seychelles, Ghana, and Kenya, have successfully maintained open-border policies for several years.
By lowering these administrative walls, Chad aims to foster a new era of economic integration and deeper cultural exchange.
The decision represents a bold step toward the African Union’s dream of a seamless, completely interconnected continent.