Kenyans and other African travelers will soon enjoy easier access to the Republic of the Congo after President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced plans to introduce visa-free entry for citizens from all African countries.
The announcement was made on Monday, May 25, during Africa Day celebrations, with the new policy expected to take effect in January 2027.
The move is aimed at strengthening African unity, promoting intra-African trade, and enhancing economic cooperation across the continent.
Republic of Congo opens doors to African travellers in new visa plan. Photo: Courtesy.
Once implemented, African travelers will be allowed to enter the Central African nation using only their national passports, eliminating the need to apply for visas before travelling.
The Republic of the Congo now joins a growing list of African countries easing travel restrictions for fellow Africans as part of broader Pan-African integration efforts.
During his address, Sassou Nguesso called on African nations to embrace collective development and regional cooperation instead of focusing on narrow national interests.
He highlighted the importance of improving transport networks, expanding energy access, and investing in infrastructure to accelerate economic growth across the continent.
The visa-free policy is also expected to boost tourism, trade, and the movement of people within Africa, making travel between African countries more accessible and efficient.
The development comes amid a wider push by several African states to open their borders to citizens from across the continent. Recently, Togo also announced visa-free entry for African travelers planning to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
However, visitors travelling to Togo are still required to complete an online travel declaration at least 24 hours before arrival in order to obtain the necessary travel authorization for border clearance.
