Can I get a visa upon arrival in Togo? If you meet all the conditions and have the required documents to apply for it, you can.
Most travelers coming to the West African country will likely need to show a visa at the entry point before being allowed into the country. Only persons from visa-exempt countries can visit visa-free. Traveling to Togo, especially if it is your first time, can be quite an exciting experience, and the last thing you want is to be held up by immigration officers or even sent back to your base because your papers are not right. This article will provide you with all the clarity you need.
Who Doesn’t Need A Visa For Togo?
You don’t need a visa for Togo if you are a passport holder from a fellow West African nation. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a sub-regional body with a borderless policy that allows for the free entry and exit of citizens of member states. These are the only travelers allowed into Togo without visas, including a few other countries like South Africa and Romania. Foreigners from outside the region require a visa.
Can I get A Visa On Arrival in Togo?
Although a visa is a mandatory requirement for visitors from non-visa-exempt countries, the Togolese government has introduced a visa-on-arrival program for citizens from most countries of the world. Those who cannot apply for the visa in their home countries for one reason or another can do so once they arrive in Togo. Visa on arrival is issued based on your nationality and can be extended if the conditions are right. While some nationals can stay 7 days, others can stay 15 days.
In the event that they need to extend their stay in the country, they can approach the offices of the Interior Ministry to extend their stay for up to 90 days, but this can only be done inside the country.
Where To Get a Visa On Arrival?
Travelers arriving without visas can get the application form at the issuing counters manned by officers of the immigration service at the airport or border crossings. They must provide their valid passports, two photographs, and a 15,000 CFA application fee or equivalent in dollars or euros. They must also show proof of yellow fever vaccination along with other documents.
A Visa On Arrival Is Not A Long Term Visa
This visa is not a long term visa but is only designed for short term visits such as for tourism, business, or transit. The longest you can extend it is 90 days, after which you must leave the country. Furthermore, during your stay, you are not allowed to work in the country and get paid for services rendered as it is not a work visa.
Suppose you wish to stay for much longer. In that case, we recommend you visit the Togolese embassy or consulate in your country or a nearby country to apply for an immigration visa which grants long term access and qualifies the holder for a residency permit.
Documents For Togo Visa On Arrival
Here are the documents the immigration officers will request at the entry point.
Application Form: You will be issued an application form which you must complete with the correct information and sign.
Passport: A valid passport with two blank pages minimum and at least six months of validity. Passports that don’t meet these conditions will be rejected. You must also provide photocopies of the first two pages of your passport.
Photograph: Two recent passport photographs with 4.5 mm x 3.5 mm dimensions. Endeavor to maintain a neutral facial expression and do not wear glasses or social headgear unless for religious purposes. The photos must have a white background.
Flight Itinerary: Proof of a purchased or reserved flight ticket back to your country of citizenship or residence.
Travel Medical Insurance: A active travel medical insurance policy to cover any expenses you may incur in Togo during your stay.
Yellow Fever Vaccination: Use a yellow Fever vaccination certificate to prove you have been vaccinated.
COVID Certificate: A Covid 19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test taken at most five days before your trip.
Proof of Accommodation:
Hotel reservation or a house address in Togo where you will stay.
Letter of Invitation: Persons invited by a citizen of Togo or permanent resident must show an invitation letter sent to them by their host
These documents must be presented to the immigration officers on duty along with the visa application fee. Once they are checked and given a pass, the visa on arrival will be issued to you on the spot.
Can I get a visa upon arrival in Togo? You can get this visa at the airport or border crossing checkpoints.