Visa-free travel: 2 African countries open doors to Nigerians, scrap visa requirements

Nigerian travellers planning to explore Africa will have two more destinations to consider as Chad and the Republic of the Congo prepare to scrap visa requirements for African nationals.

The new policies, expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, will allow Nigerians to enter both countries without securing an entry visa before travelling as reported by Vanguard.

The decisions reflect growing efforts by African governments to make movement across the continent easier and deepen cooperation among member states.

Chad removes visa barriers for African travellers

Chad is set to become one of the African countries opening its borders more widely to citizens from across the continent.

President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced in July 2026 that his government would end entry visa requirements for nationals of African countries from January 1, 2027.

The policy means Nigerian passport holders will be able to travel to Chad without applying for a visa before their journey.

The government said the decision was driven by the need to promote African integration and encourage the movement of people and goods across the continent.

Republic of the Congo joins the move

The Republic of the Congo, commonly called Congo-Brazzaville, has also announced plans to introduce visa-free entry for African nationals.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso made the announcement during the 2026 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings held in Brazzaville.

Beginning January 1, 2027, citizens of African countries, including Nigeria, will no longer need entry visas to visit the country.

The arrangement will still be subject to basic administrative and security requirements.

The Congolese government expects the policy to encourage greater interaction among Africans while supporting trade, tourism and regional cooperation.

What this means for Nigerian travellers

For Nigerian passport holders, the two announcements could make travel to Chad and the Republic of the Congo easier from 2027.

Travellers will no longer need to complete the traditional visa application process before visiting either country, although they will still need to meet other entry requirements.

The changes also form part of the wider push for easier movement across Africa, particularly as countries work towards the goals of continental integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area.