🇹🇬 Togo visa requirements

Most passports get 7 days visa-free. If you're from the US, UK, Canada, or the EU, you can get a 30-day visa on arrival. It’s pretty straightforward, but don’t expect it to be instant.

Who Gets What Stamp?

So, do you need a visa for Togo? It depends where you’re from. If you’ve got a passport from the US, UK, Canada, or EU countries, you're in luck. You can grab a 30-day visa on arrival at Lomé–Tokoin Airport (LFW) or any land border. It usually costs around 35,000 XOF (about $60 USD) and they want it in cash, preferably clean bills. For other nationalities, you might need to pre-apply. Honestly, even if you're eligible for the VOA, checking with your local Togolese embassy beforehand is never a bad idea, just to avoid any surprises. Some sources say nationals from certain West African countries get visa-free entry, but this can change. Always verify your specific nationality's status before you book.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

Your standard visa-on-arrival or pre-approved visa typically grants you 30 days in Togo. Now, here's where things get a bit sticky. That initial stamp is often considered a single entry. If you plan on popping out to Benin or Ghana and coming back, you'll need a double-entry visa, which costs more and you have to specifically request it. Overstaying is not a good look. While I haven't heard of anyone getting hauled off to jail for a day or two overstay, expect to pay a fine. It’s generally around 5,000 XOF per day of overstay . More importantly, it can complicate your exit and any future visa applications. Make sure you have an exit stamp in your passport when you leave, too. It’s proof you didn’t just vanish.

Working Remotely: The Grey Area

Can you work remotely on a tourist visa in Togo? Officially, no. Tourist visas are for tourism. Working, even remotely for a company outside Togo, is technically not permitted under that stamp. Will anyone actively chase you down for it? Probably not, especially if you're just doing your own thing in a co-working space or cafe for a few weeks. Lomé has a growing digital nomad scene, and authorities are generally more concerned with tourists who are, well, actually touring. However, if you start conducting business openly, meeting clients, or setting up shop, you might draw unwanted attention. The real risk comes if you have to interact with immigration or police for any reason, or if you try to extend your stay beyond the initial period. They could technically deny an extension or flag you for working illegally. Bottom line: keep it low-key and don't advertise.

What's New on the Visa Front?

Togo has been trying to modernize its visa process. The big news in the last year or so has been the rollout of the eVisa system. This is designed to make applying for a visa before you travel much smoother, potentially reducing queues and hassle upon arrival. The official website for the eVisa is usually evisa.gouv.tg, but always double-check for the most current URL. Fees can fluctuate, but expect something in the ballpark of the visa-on-arrival cost, possibly slightly higher for the convenience. They’ve also been talking about expanding the eVisa to more nationalities and potentially increasing the length of stay options, but these changes can be slow to roll out and sometimes get suspended. Keep an eye on official government announcements or embassy websites for the latest updates before your trip.