Togo introduces visa-free access for African Union citizens

Economic governance

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 11:50

Togo introduces visa-free access for African Union citizens

(Togo First) - Togo has abolished entry visa requirements for nationals of all African Union member states holding a valid passport, the government announced in an official statement released on Monday, May 18, 2026. The measure takes effect immediately.

The announcement was made by Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo’s Council, at the opening of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika Business Forum, which Lomé is hosting through Wednesday, May 20.

According to the authorities, the decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening regional integration and facilitating the free movement of people and goods across Africa. It also underscores Togo’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for services, business and cultural exchange, in line with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Officials said the measure aligns with pan-African integration goals and regional commitments on mobility, while also seeking to deepen cooperation between African states and make the country more attractive to investors, entrepreneurs and visitors from across the continent.

Togo joins a growing number of African countries — including Rwanda, Ghana and Benin — that have adopted visa-free entry policies for fellow African citizens. The initiative is expected to support trade and intra-African investment, as visa requirements have long been viewed as a costly administrative obstacle for businesses and traders operating across borders.

Beyond its economic impact, the policy is also expected to benefit Togo’s hospitality, transport, catering and services sectors. It further reinforces the reform agenda pursued by the authorities in recent years to attract foreign direct investment and improve the country’s business environment.

However, the visa exemption comes with conditions. It is limited to stays of up to 30 days and does not exempt travelers from existing security, health or immigration requirements. Visitors must complete a pre-arrival declaration on an official online platform at least 24 hours before arrival in order to obtain a travel authorization document, which must be presented at border crossings.

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.