🇹🇬 Togo visa for Canada citizens

US, EU, UK, and Canadian citizens get 90 days visa-free. That's the headline. But it gets complicated fast.

Who walks in visa-free and who doesn't

Most Westerners, including US, EU, UK, and Canadian passport holders, can enter Togo for up to 90 days without a pre-arranged visa. You just need a valid passport for at least six months beyond your stay and proof of onward travel. Australian and New Zealand citizens also generally fall into this category.

Other nationalities might find themselves on the visa-on-arrival list. This typically applies to citizens of many African countries. You can get a visa at Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW) or other major border crossings. The fee and duration can vary, so it’s best to check with the nearest Togolese embassy before you fly. If your passport isn't on the visa-free or visa-on-arrival list, you'll need to apply for a visa at a Togolese consulate or embassy in your home country or a neighbouring nation. This process can take a week or more and requires more documentation.

How long can you actually stay?

The standard tourist allowance is 90 days. This is usually a single-entry permit unless you specifically request and pay for a double-entry visa. Overstaying is where things get messy. While official penalties are rarely advertised, expect fines. Unofficially, it can range from $10 to $50 USD per day of overstay, and potentially lead to detention or deportation. Always ensure your passport has an exit stamp when you leave; border officials are sometimes lax about this, which can cause issues on re-entry. If you plan a trip to Ghana or Benin and intend to return to Togo, a double-entry visa is essential. Otherwise, you'll need to apply for a new single-entry visa outside the country.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp

Togo doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa. Working remotely on a tourist stamp is technically a grey area. Most remote workers do it without issue, especially if they're not actively seeking employment within Togo or advertising their services locally. The authorities are primarily concerned with immigration compliance, not your remote work status. However, if you're seen conducting business that looks like local employment, or if you draw attention to yourself, you could face questions. It's wise to keep your remote work activities discreet. Don't set up shop in public spaces with overt business branding. The focus should be on enjoying your stay, not on running a visible enterprise.

What's new with Togolese visas?

Togo has been moving towards a more streamlined entry process. The big change in the last 18 months has been the expansion and formalization of the eVisa system. Initially focused on specific nationalities or purposes, it's gradually being rolled out to cover more travellers. You can now often apply online for a tourist or business visa before you arrive. This can save time at the airport, though it requires planning ahead. Fees for the eVisa typically mirror those of the visa-on-arrival, around $25 to $50 USD for a 30-day visa, with options to extend for longer stays. While this is a positive step, always double-check the official government portal or contact the nearest Togolese embassy for the most current requirements and fees, as these can change rapidly. The system is still maturing, so having a backup plan or printed confirmation is never a bad idea.