Congo abolishes visa requirements for Africans

From 1 January 2027, the Republic of Congo will abolish visa requirements for all African citizens, marking a major step toward continental integration, reports africanews. Announced in Brazzaville by President Denis Sassou Nguesso during Africa Day celebrations, the move positions Congo among Africa’s champions of free movement. The announcement immediately drew attention across the continent, as Congo became the latest African nation to embrace visa-free travel for fellow Africans. Congo follows the path already taken by countries such as Benin, Togo, Rwanda, Ghana, Seychelles and The Gambia, all of which have adopted policies allowing Africans to enter without visas. Benin has offered visa-free access to citizens of all African countries since 2020 for stays of up to 90 days. Togo introduced a similar policy on 18 May 2026, allowing 30-day stays subject to prior online declaration. By joining this trend, Brazzaville is aligning itself with a broader African ambition to ease mobility, strengthen trade and deepen regional co-operation. Speaking before African leaders, Nguesso described the reform as a concrete contribution to African unity. He urged governments across the continent to move beyond what he described as ‘selfishness and narrow nationalism’ in order to collectively tackle development challenges. The Congolese President also highlighted the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area as one of the key pillars for accelerating economic integration and intra-African exchange. The measure is expected to facilitate travel for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, artists and tourists across Africa. Authorities still have several months to define the practical framework of the reform. Details regarding the maximum duration of stay, possible pre-arrival formalities, as well as health and security requirements, have not yet been officially released.

Full africanews report