Complete guide to Seamless Togo visa application and requirements

Togo Visa: If you’re planning a trip to Togo, you’ll most likely need to secure a visa before traveling. The good news is that Togo grants visas on arrival to nationals of most countries, with the exception of travelers from visa-exempt nations. This article breaks down Togo’s visa requirements—covering who needs a visa, the application process, required documentation, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Who Is Required to Obtain a Visa for Togo?

Almost all travelers planning to visit Togo are required to obtain a visa prior to entry. The only exceptions are citizens of the following countries, who are visa-exempt:

In addition, holders of diplomatic or service passports from China and Morocco are also exempt from Togo’s visa requirements. Nationals of all other countries not listed above must obtain a valid Togo visa before they will be permitted to enter the country.

What Types of Visas Are Available for Travel to Togo?

The main types of visas issued by the Togolese government are:

Togo Immigration Visa, for foreigners intending to settle in Togo long-term

Togo Tourist Visa, issued for single and multiple entries, and for up to 90 days. You can apply for a Togo Tourist Visa if you are traveling for tourism, visit, or other non-business related purposes.

Togo Business Visa, issued to foreigners traveling to Togo for business-related purposes of up to 90 days. It can be single- or multiple-entry.

Togo Transit Visa, issued to foreigners transiting through the territory of Togo. The transit visa for Togo can be for a single or double-entry (roundtrip).

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Togo Visa?

When applying for a Togo visa, you will be required to submit several supporting documents. These typically include:

• A valid passport, with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay and a minimum of two blank pages.
• Photocopies of the first two pages of your passport.
• A completed Togo visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the following criteria:
  • Size: 4.5 × 3.5 cm
  • White background
  • Neutral facial expression
  • Full visibility of the face and head (head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons, provided the face is not obscured)
• Proof of a return or onward flight booking.
• Valid travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay, or evidence of payment of a repatriation deposit.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or vaccination booklet.

Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for:

For a Togo Tourist Visa:

• Proof of accommodation in Togo, such as a confirmed hotel reservation.

For a Togo Business Visa:

• A letter of invitation from the host company in Togo or documents detailing the business assignment.

For a Togo Transit Visa:

• Proof of onward travel;
• A valid visa for your final destination, if applicable.

For a Togo Immigration Visa:

• Proof of income, such as recent bank statements;
• A motivation letter;
• Proof of health insurance coverage.

If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a parental consent form signed by both parents is also required.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Visa requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific Togolese consulate or embassy handling the application.

What Is the Process for Applying for a Togo Visa?

Foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Togo can apply through one of two available options:

• Visa on Arrival, which can be obtained directly at an approved port of entry in Togo; or
• Embassy or Consulate Application, by submitting a visa request in advance at a Togolese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or in a neighboring country.

Each of these Togo visa application methods has its own procedures and requirements, which are explained in detail below.

Applying for a Togo Visa Upon Arrival

Nationals of all countries are eligible for a Togo Visa On Arrival. However, the Togo Visa On Arrival is only valid for seven days, with the possibility to extend it for up to 90 days once you’re already in Togo. You can get a Togo Visa On Arrival at the visa-issuing counters at the international airport in Lome or any of the major border crossings.

You need to have a Togo visa application form and two passport-size pictures with you and pay a fee [Contact for quote]. You may also have to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, accommodation, and a return flight ticket, as well as any other documents depending on the purpose of your travel.

If you want to stay for longer than 7 days, you can apply to extend your visa at the Foreigners and Passport Service in Toga before your current visa expires. The Togo visa extension is free of charge. However, many travelers who know they want to stay in Togo for longer than 7 days opt for applying for the visa before they travel at a Togolese Embassy or Consulate because they consider it to be less of a hassle than applying for an extension.

Applying for a Togo Visa Prior to Travel

If you want to stay in Togo for longer than 7 days, you can apply for a visa from a Togolese embassy or consulate before you travel. The exact Togo visa application process changes depending on the specific embassy/consulate in which you apply, but can be summed up as follows:

• Contact the embassy/consulate or, if possible, visit their website to learn about their opening hours, working days, and any specific requirements.
• Complete the Togo visa application form
• Gather the required documents (see the documents below)
• Pay the Togo visa fee*
• Submit the documents and application at the embassy or consulate. Some diplomatic offices allow applicants to submit their visa applications through the mail, especially if they live far away.
• Wait for the visa application to be processed. If the application is approved you will either have to go pick up your passport in person or have it mailed back to you, depending on the way through which you applied.

*The method of paying for the visa fee changes from one consulate to the other. You may have to pay in cash at the time of application or through a bank transfer beforehand.

How to complete the Togo visa application form?

You can download the Togo visa application form from one of the websites of Togo’s diplomatic representations abroad. Some embassies or consulates require you to fill it out beforehand and have it with you when you submit the application. Depending on the format of the application form file, you may be able to complete it electronically then just print it and sign it. Or, you may have to print it first and fill it out by hand. The Togo visa application form includes questions that clarify the purpose of your travel to Togo. You may also be able to pick up the visa application form at the embassy or consulate itself.

How Long Does it Take to Process a Togo Visa?

The processing time for a Togo visa depends on the specific Embassy or Consulate, but you can expect to wait at least between 5 – 10 working days starting from the time they receive your completed application. It may take longer, however, depending on the specific circumstances so you should start the application process at least about a month in advance, especially if you’re going to apply by mail.

How Long is a Togo Visa Valid For?

The duration of your Togo visa depends on the manner through which you apply. As such:

• A Togo Visa On Arrival is valid for only up to 7 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days while in Togo
• A Togo visa obtained from an embassy/consulate is issued for a maximum of 90 days, for single or multiple entries

Can I Extend a Togo Visa?

Yes, you can extend a Togo Visa On Arrival before it expires at the Togo Foreigners and Passport Service offices in Lome. If you want to extend a 30-day or 90-day visa, then you can apply for an extension at the Directorate General of National Documentation of the Togo Ministry of the Interior.