Starting January 1, 2027, African nationals will no longer need a visa to enter Chad. The announcement, made by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno during the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, signals a bold step toward fostering continental unity and easing cross-border movement.
Chad is on the verge of redefining its diplomatic landscape. At the high-profile African Water Forum, attended by heads of state and global leaders, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno unveiled a groundbreaking policy shift that could reshape mobility across the continent.
From the new year onward, travelers from every African nation will enjoy visa-free access to Chad. The President framed this move as a pivotal commitment to deepening African solidarity and integration.
« Chad stands as a vital crossroads in Africa—bridging human encounters, fostering connections between West and East, North and South, a land of welcome and integration, and a champion of African unity, » he declared.
The President went on to emphasize the historic nature of the decision, stating: « Beyond this gathering and in line with our long-standing dedication to African integration and the free movement of people and goods, I stand before you today on this historic occasion to proclaim that Chad, the land of Toumaï and the cradle of humanity, will open its borders and abolish entry visas for all Africans beginning January 1, 2027. »
Described as « a bold invitation to all of Africa, » this policy elevates Chad among the select few African nations that have fully embraced visa-free entry for continental visitors. It aligns the country with regional leaders like Benin, Togo, Rwanda, Ghana, Gambia, Seychelles, and the Republic of the Congo, which recently adopted a similar approach.