While black Africans continue facing xenophobic violence in South Africa, where some black South Africans armed to the teeth target fellow black Africans while avoiding confrontation with many of the economic beneficiaries of Apartheid South Africa, Togo has taken a dramatically different path by opening its borders to fellow Africans.
Togo has announced a major visa reform allowing all African passport holders to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
The announcement, made by Togo’s Ministry of Security, is already being hailed by Pan-African supporters as a bold step toward deeper African integration and free movement across the continent.
According to the statement, the new policy took effect on May 18, 2026, and applies to all nationals of African countries holding valid passports.
The government said the move reflects Togo’s ambition to become a regional hub for business, culture, trade and human exchange in Africa.
“This major reform confirms Togo’s commitment to openness, mobility, opportunities and cooperation at the heart of the African continent,” the ministry said.
Travellers will still be required to complete a travel declaration through the government platform before arrival in order to obtain a travel slip.
The announcement also comes at a time when anti-immigrant politics, racism and far-right movements are rising across parts of Europe and the Western world, intensifying calls among Pan-African activists for Africa to become more self-reliant and united.
Supporters of deeper African integration have long pushed for easier movement of Africans across borders, a single African currency and stronger economic independence from Western powers.
Some Pan-African activists continue to argue that former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was targeted partly because he championed a united Africa with a common currency and independent financial systems.
Following Libya’s collapse after Gaddafi’s death, the country became one of the continent’s biggest human trafficking corridors used by migrants attempting dangerous journeys to Europe.
Key facts
- Togo has removed visa requirements for African passport holders for stays of up to 30 days.
- Several African countries including Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles and Gambia already allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for many Africans.
- The move comes amid continuing xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa.
- Rising anti-immigrant politics, racism and far-right movements in parts of Europe and the Western world have intensified calls for stronger African unity.
- Pan-African supporters continue pushing for free movement of Africans, a single African currency and deeper continental integration.
- Some Pan-African activists believe former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was targeted partly because he championed African unity, a single African currency and stronger continental independence.
- Following the collapse of Libya after Gaddafi’s death, the country became a major corridor for human trafficking and dangerous migration routes toward Europe.
