Togo waives visas for African passports 30 days

Togo said on May 19 that citizens of all African countries holding valid national passports can now enter without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The measure took effect immediately from May 18, according to reports citing a statement from the Ministry of Security and a decision by the President of the Council. Travelers covered by the exemption must still complete an online travel declaration before departure through the government’s Voyage Togo platform. The change widens Togo’s previous visa-free access beyond existing regional exemptions, including travelers from ECOWAS member states. Togo’s official travel procedures page had already said ECOWAS travel documents were exempt from visa formalities, while still requiring immigration formalities on the same platform. ### Who is covered by the new entry rule? (visasnews.com) African nationals are covered if they hold a valid national passport and intend to stay in Togo for no more than 30 days. Reports on May 19 said the exemption applies at land, air and sea borders, and that relevant agencies were instructed to implement it immediately. The 30-day limit matters because the announcement does not abolish immigration controls or longer-stay requirements. (neo.voyage.gouv.tg) The reports say the exemption is for short stays only, and do not indicate that work, residence or extended stays are included. ### If there is no visa, what still has to be done before travel? Togo still requires an online travel declaration. (visasnews.com) The government’s Voyage Togo site says travelers can complete immigration formalities online, and reports on the new policy say eligible African visitors must file the declaration at least 24 hours before arrival to obtain a travel slip for presentation at the border. That means the policy removes the visa and its fee for eligible short-stay African travelers, but not the pre-arrival administrative step. The same platform continues to handle visa requests for travelers who still need one. ### What reason did Togo give for the move? Togo’s Ministry of Security said the measure was intended to promote African integration, strengthen the free movement of people and goods, and encourage cooperation among African states and peoples, according to reports quoting the statement. (voyage.gouv.tg) The same reports said the government also presented the policy as part of a broader effort to make Togo a regional hub for services, business, culture and exchange. (visasnews.com) The language places the announcement alongside wider African efforts to ease intra-African travel, though Togo’s statement is the operative policy document here. Togo had also signed a visa exemption agreement with Rwanda in January covering all passport categories between the two countries. ### Does this mean all border rules have been removed? (visasnews.com) No. The May 19 reports said the exemption does not remove security, immigration or public-health requirements that apply on entry. They also said the policy does not override rules on irregular entry, unlawful stay or national security measures. Togo’s Voyage platform remains the operational channel for those checks. (taarifa.rw) The site says travelers can handle immigration formalities online and, if needed, apply for a visa through the same system. ### What should travelers watch next? May 18 is the effective date cited in reports, while May 19 is the date the policy was widely reported. Travelers seeking to use the exemption should check the official Voyage Togo platform before departure, complete the travel declaration at least 24 hours in advance, and confirm whether their trip remains within the 30-day limit. (visasnews.com) (voyage.gouv.tg)