Africans with valid passports can now travel to Togo without a visa after the West African nation introduced a new open-border policy for the continent.

The visa-free period would last 30 days, the ministry of security disclosed early Tuesday.

Calixte Madjoulba, Togo’s security minister, said in a statement that the decision went into effect on Monday and reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to promoting African integration, strengthening free movement of people and goods, and encouraging increased cooperation among the continent’s states and peoples.

“It is part of the dynamic of openness, modernization, and attractiveness initiated by the President of the Council, with the ambition of making Togo a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchange in the heart of Africa,” Madjoulba said.

Madjoulba said that the visa exemption still requires Africans to meet the security, immigration, and public health conditions that apply to entering Togo.

As a result, intending passengers must file a trip declaration at least 24 hours before their arrival to get a travel document to show at border crossings.

“This document constitutes a prior administrative and security formality,” the minister said.

Madjoulba stated that the visa exemption rules prohibits irregular entry, illegal residence, and violations of administrative policing and national security measures.

The minister stated that the increased mobility will apply to all points of entry, including land, air, and sea.

Togo becomes the third African country to offer visa-free travel for citizens of African Union (AU) member states for up to 30 days, following Rwanda and Kenya.

The AU’s Agenda 2063 and the African passport program promote continental-free mobility, although implementation remains partial.

Last Wednesday, Nigeria reciprocated Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry.