Chad, Republic of Congo to Open Visa-Free Access to Nigerians From 2027
Nigerian passport holders are set to gain visa-free access to Chad and the Republic of the Congo from January 1, 2027, under new measures aimed at easing movement among African countries.
The two countries have announced plans to remove entry-visa requirements for citizens of African countries, meaning Nigerians will be able to travel to Chad and the Republic of Congo without securing a visa before departure.
The move comes amid renewed efforts across the continent to promote African integration, free movement, tourism and intra-African trade. Easier travel between African countries is also seen as an important component of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to increase economic exchanges across the continent.
For Nigeria, the development comes at a time when the country’s passport has faced a mixed trend in global mobility rankings. The July 2026 Henley Passport Index ranked the Nigerian passport 90th globally, with access to 44 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or other arrangements that do not require obtaining a conventional visa before travel.
The announcement also carries regional significance. Chad, which shares borders with Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger, occupies an important position in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. Increased movement between Nigeria and Chad could facilitate trade and strengthen people-to-people links across a region where security cooperation is already a major concern.
The Republic of the Congo, meanwhile, provides Nigeria with another avenue for stronger economic and cultural connections in Central Africa.
The policy could particularly benefit Nigerian traders, businesses, tourists, students and families travelling within Africa by eliminating the cost and administrative burden associated with obtaining entry visas.
The move also contrasts with recent developments that have reduced Nigeria’s visa-free access to some destinations. PUNCH reported in May that Nigeria’s visa-free access had declined from 46 destinations in January 2025 to 44 in the April 2026 Henley ranking.
The planned changes by Chad and the Republic of Congo therefore represent a modest but significant expansion of mobility opportunities for Nigerian citizens.
