You’re planning a trip to Togo and need clarity on the visa process. This guide walks you through every step—from who qualifies for an exemption to the documents you must prepare, application channels, costs, and little-known tips that top-ranking articles often miss.
Types of Visas You Can Apply For
Togo offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel:
- Tourist Visa (including eVisa)
- Business Visa
- Student Visa
- Transit Visa
You’ll most commonly apply for the Tourist eVisa through the official Togolese government portal. It grants a stay of up to 90 days and can’t be obtained on arrival for many nationalities.
Who’s Exempt or Enjoys Special Treatment
Not every visitor needs a visa to enter Togo:
- Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso) can cross borders visa-free.
- Nationals of Romania also enjoy exemption.
- Diplomatic or service passport holders from China and Morocco are likewise exempt, details of which are outlined in the visa policy of Togo.
Moreover, bilateral agreements and reciprocity can affect specific nationalities, so always double-check before booking.
Essential Requirements Before You Apply
Gather these items in advance to avoid delays:
- A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Togo and with at least two blank pages, as noted by the U.S. Department of State Togo country information.
- A completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-style photographs.
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or cash equivalent) and an onward/return flight booking, as detailed in GoAbroad’s Togo visa guide.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter).
- Visa fee payment via credit card (Mastercard or Visa) or bank transfer.
- Submission at least five business days before travel—visas on arrival are no longer available for U.S. citizens and several other countries, according to iVisa’s Togo visa on arrival information.
In some cases, an interview at the embassy or consulate may be requested depending on your nationality or travel history.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply Online (eVisa)
- Visit the official Togolese government portal.
- Fill out personal and travel details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Receive an approval letter via email, which you print and present on arrival.
Apply In Person
- Book an appointment at the Togolese embassy or VFS Global center.
- Submit your application package.
- Track its status online or via SMS.
- Collect your passport on the scheduled date or authorize a representative.
Visa Fees and Processing Times
- Standard Tourist eVisa: Approximately USD 50–100 depending on nationality.
- Processing: Typically 3–7 business days; rush options may be available for an extra fee.
If you wish to remain beyond your visa’s validity, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Police des Étrangers in Lomé. Extensions are granted case by case, usually for up to 30 additional days as explained in the World Travel Guide on visa extensions in Togo.
Official Entry Points into Togo
Make sure you arrive through a recognized port of entry:
- Airports:
- Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (Lomé)
- Aérodrome de Sokodé
- Aéroport de Niamtougou
- Land Borders with Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso
- Seaports: Port of Kpémé and Port of Lomé
These entry points are officially listed in the airports in Togo guide. Your eVisa or visa stamp is only valid at these locations; crossing at an unauthorized point could lead to fines or denial of entry.
Handy Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Always use the official eVisa portal rather than third-party sites to avoid extra fees or scams.
- Keep both digital and hard copies of your approval letter, travel itinerary, and proof of funds.
- Confirm the stamp validity on arrival—border agents sometimes misinterpret eVisas.
- Arrange travel insurance that covers medical evacuation; the CDC’s travel health insurance recommendations highlight its importance for West Africa.
- Carry emergency contact numbers for your embassy or consulate in Lomé.
“Always double-check entry requirements at least one month before departure—policies can change without notice.” – International Travel Expert, GlobalNomad Hub
Your Next Steps to Togo
You now have a clear path to secure your Togo tourist visa: verify if you’re exempt, prepare documents, choose the right submission channel, and watch for the confirmation email. With your visa in hand, you’re ready to explore lively markets, pristine beaches, and the rich cultural heritage that awaits in Togo’s West African landscapes.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your Togolese adventure!