Travellers are advised to review their eligibility status based on nationality, purpose of travel, and intended duration of stay. Special consideration should be given to visa-on-arrival limitations, documentation standards, and passport validity requirements. All applicants and visitors should consult their nearest Togolese embassy or consulate for the most accurate and jurisdiction-specific procedures prior to departure.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Togo?
The Togolese Republic requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa for entry, either in advance or upon arrival, depending on nationality and purpose of travel. The primary form of identification accepted for entry is a valid passport paired with an authorised visa.
For more information on visas to Togo, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteVisa-Exempt Countries
Nationals of 17 African countries are permitted to enter Togo without a visa for short-term stays related to tourism or private visits. These visa exemptions are based on regional agreements within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and additional bilateral arrangements. A Visa is not required for nationals of the following countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Romania
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
All other nationalities must obtain a visa either in advance from a Togolese diplomatic mission or upon arrival at designated ports of entry.
Entry into Togo
Visa on Arrival
As of 2024, Togo no longer offers visas on arrival for most travellers. Visitors must obtain a visa prior to arrival, either by applying for an e-visa through the official online platform or by obtaining a visa from a Togolese embassy or consulate. This change aims to streamline entry procedures and improve border security.
Visa Validity and Extensions:
- Tourist visas typically have an initial validity of 15 days, with the possibility of extension up to 90 days depending on the purpose of stay and approval by Togolese immigration authorities.
- Extensions must be requested within Togo at the Foreigners and Passport Service in Lomé before the visa expires.
Documents Required for Visa Application (E-Visa or Embassy):
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay (some sources mention three months, but six months is the standard recommendation).
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry).
- Proof of return or onward travel (confirmed flight tickets).
- Proof of accommodation or invitation letter.
- Payment of visa fees (amount varies by nationality and visa type).
Visa Fees:
- Fees vary depending on visa type and nationality and must be paid as instructed by the embassy or via the e-visa portal. Cash payment at arrival is no longer accepted due to the discontinuation of visas on arrival.
Online Registration Certificate:
- All travellers, regardless of visa status, must complete an online registration certificate before arriving in and departing from Togo. This is a mandatory health and security measure.
Pre-Arrival Visa Application
Travellers who wish to avoid administrative procedures upon arrival may apply for a visa in advance at a Togolese embassy or consulate. This is particularly recommended for:
Longer stays
Non-tourism purposes (e.g., work, study)
Travellers with complex itineraries
Nationalities subject to entry restrictions
Eligibility to Apply for a Togo Visa
While most nationalities are eligible for visas on arrival, specific requirements must still be met:
- Passport with at least three months’ validity remaining (six months recommended)
- Clean travel history; individuals who have recently visited high-risk health zones may be refused entry
- Airline boarding regulations (some airlines may not permit boarding without a visa, even if visa-on-arrival is available)
Important:
Local immigration officials retain discretionary authority to deny entry for any reason, including failure to meet health or security criteria.
Online Registration Certificate:
All travellers—regardless of visa status—must fill in an online registration certificate before arriving in and departing from Togo. This is a separate requirement from the visa.
Processing Time for Togo Visas
The standard visa processing time varies by consulate but typically requires:
- Minimum 7 working days after full application submission
- Expedited options may not be available
- Additional time should be allowed for peak periods or incomplete applications
Appointment Waiting Times
For nonimmigrant visa applicants applying via an embassy or consulate, appointments should be scheduled at least three months in advance of the intended date of travel. This ensures adequate processing time and reduces the risk of travel disruption.
Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access for Togolese Citizens
As of 2025, citizens of Togo enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 60 countries, including:
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Congo
- Dominica
- Ethiopia
- and others
Togolese citizens are advised to verify specific entry requirements and validity conditions with the destination country prior to travel. The Togolese passport is currently ranked 81st globally for travel freedom.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
| What is a Visa? |
| What kind of visa do I need? |
| Do I need more than one visa? |
| How long is a visa valid for? |
| When do I need my visa? |
| What if my visa is refused? |
What To Do If Your Visa to Togo is Refused
If your application for a Togo visa is denied or rejected, it can be upsetting and stressful. In the event that your visa application is rejected, you do have a few options. These consist of:
- Contest the ruling.
- Send your application in again.
- Obtain a different type of visa.
If your application for a visa is rejected, you’ll get a letter explaining why. The actions listed below should be followed if you want to appeal:
- Wait for an official letter or email with a decision regarding your visa.
- Decide if you can file an appeal.
- Determine whether you want to appeal the ruling.
- Within two months following the letter of denial’s date, submit your appeal.
- Make sure the grounds for the initial rejection were addressed in your appeal.
- Wait for the outcome of your appeal on your visa.
Togo Visa Types
Togo offers multiple visa categories, each corresponding to a specific travel purpose. Applicants must select the correct type prior to application.
- Tourist Visa
- Valid up to 90 days
- For leisure, personal visits, and general tourism
- Available for single or multiple entries
- Business Visa
- Issued for commercial activities or meetings
- Valid up to 90 days
- May be single or multiple-entry based on need
- Transit Visa
- For travellers passing through Togo en route to another destination
- Available for single or double entries
- Limited validity strictly for transit purposes
- Immigration Visa
- For individuals intending to reside in Togo long-term
- Includes family reunification, employment, or retirement visas
- Additional documentation and approval required
- E-Visa (Electronic Visa)
- Available via Togo’s online immigration platform (where applicable)
- Applicants can complete the process remotely
- Not all nationalities are eligible; consult official sources
What to Do If Your Togo Visa Is Refused
In the event that your visa application is denied, applicants are entitled to pursue one or more of the following actions:
- Submit a new visa application with corrected or additional documentation
- Apply for an alternative visa type, if applicable
- Contest the refusal decision through the appeals process
Appeals Procedure:
- Await the official letter or email stating the reasons for the denial.
- Review whether the decision allows for appeal.
- If eligible, submit a written appeal within two months of the refusal notification.
- Address all deficiencies stated in the initial refusal.
- Await further decision from the consular authority.
The appeal process may take several weeks and does not guarantee visa issuance. It is advised to follow guidance from the issuing consulate during all stages of the process.
Actionable Instruction:
If you plan to enter Togo, ensure your application—whether online, in person, or on arrival—is supported by all required documentation. Submit visa applications through a consulate or embassy at least three months before travel, or confirm eligibility for a visa on arrival. Always verify current requirements with the official Togolese immigration authority or diplomatic mission.
Note:
All travellers must complete an online registration certificate before arrival and departure from Togo, in addition to any visa requirements. The yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. Always confirm the latest entry and health requirements with official sources.