N'DJAMENA — Chad is preparing to open its borders more widely to the continent after President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno announced that all African nationals will be able to enter Chad without an entry visa from January 1, 2027.

The announcement was made during the opening of the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, where African leaders and development partners gathered to discuss water security and regional development.

Déby presented the decision as part of Chad’s commitment to African integration and the free movement of people and goods. The policy could make travel easier for African businesspeople, investors, students, tourists and other visitors seeking to enter the country.

The move also gives Chad an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic and economic links with other African states and reinforce its position as a geographic crossroads between Central, North, West and East Africa.

Authorities are expected to provide further details on implementation, including border procedures and any administrative requirements that will apply once the new policy takes effect.

Political and economic observers say the decision could have wider implications for regional commerce, tourism, investment and people-to-people cooperation.

Chad’s planned visa reform marks a significant new direction in its continental diplomacy and could strengthen N’Djamena’s role in Africa’s growing free-movement agenda.