By January 1, 2027, all African nationals will be able to enter Chad without requiring a visa. The announcement, made by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno during the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, underscores the country’s commitment to fostering continental unity and easing cross-border movement.

The historic decision was unveiled at a high-profile gathering in the Chadian capital, where regional leaders and dignitaries had convened to address pressing water and climate challenges. Speaking from the podium, the President framed the move as a bold step toward reinforcing Africa’s shared future.

In his address, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno highlighted Chad’s role as a unifying bridge across the continent. “We stand here in Chad, a crossroads of Africa—where human connections thrive between east and west, north and south. This land of welcome and integration champions the African dream of unity,” he declared.

The President went on to officially unveil the policy shift, stating: “In line with our dedication to African integration and the free movement of people and goods, I announce today, on this landmark occasion, that Chad—land of Toumaï, cradle of humanity—will open its borders and abolish entry visas for all Africans, effective January 1, 2027.”

This progressive move positions Chad among a select group of African nations that have eliminated visa requirements for continental travelers. It aligns the country with peers such as Benin, Togo, Rwanda, Ghana, Gambia, Seychelles, and Congo, which recently adopted a similar policy.