Nigerian passport holders will have two more African destinations to consider for visa-free travel as Chad and the Republic of the Congo prepare to remove entry visa requirements for African nationals.
The new policies are expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, allowing Nigerians and other African citizens to enter both countries without obtaining an entry visa before travelling.
The move forms part of wider efforts by African countries to make movement across the continent easier and strengthen economic, social and regional cooperation.
Chad removes visa requirement for African nationals
Chad is set to open its borders more widely to citizens of other African countries under a new visa-free entry policy.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced in July 2026 that his administration would abolish entry visa requirements for nationals of African countries from January 1, 2027.
The policy will allow Nigerian passport holders to travel to Chad without applying for a visa before departure.
The Chadian government said the decision was aimed at promoting African integration and facilitating the movement of people and goods across the continent.
Republic of Congo announces similar policy
The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, has announced a similar plan to remove visa requirements for African travellers.
President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced the policy during the 2026 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Brazzaville.
Under the arrangement, which is expected to begin on January 1, 2027, citizens of African countries, including Nigeria, will no longer require entry visas to visit the Republic of the Congo.
However, travellers will still be required to comply with applicable administrative and security requirements at the point of entry.
The Congolese government expects the policy to encourage greater movement between African countries while supporting tourism, trade and regional cooperation.
What it means for Nigerians
For Nigerian travellers, the two policies could make trips to Chad and the Republic of the Congo easier from 2027 by removing the need to obtain traditional entry visas before departure.
Travellers should still ensure they meet other immigration and entry requirements before travelling, as visa-free entry does not necessarily remove passport, health, security or other border requirements.
The announcements also align with broader efforts to improve the movement of people across Africa and advance the objectives of continental integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
From January 1, 2027, Nigerians could therefore have easier access to Chad and the Republic of the Congo without securing entry visas in advance.
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