Lome Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport and e-Visa (if not from ECOWAS countries). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized parental consent letter signed by the absent parent(s), including contact information and copies of the absent parent(s)' passport identification pages. If traveling with only one parent, bring the child's birth certificate and consent letter. In cases of sole custody, bring court documentation. These documents should be in French or accompanied by certified French translations. Yellow fever vaccination is required for children over 9 months old.

Importing pets to Togo requires advance planning. Dogs and cats need: (1) An ISO-compatible microchip for identification, (2) Current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but within the vaccine's validity period, (3) International veterinary health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel, (4) Import permit from Togolese veterinary services, which should be obtained before travel through the Direction de l'Élevage. Some airlines have additional requirements. Pets may be quarantined upon arrival if documentation is incomplete. Certain breeds may be restricted.

Tourist visas are typically issued for 7-90 days. To extend your stay, apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (DGDN) in Lomé before your current visa expires. Bring your passport, current visa, passport photos, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and the extension fee (varies by duration). Extensions are not guaranteed. For stays exceeding 90 days or for work/residence purposes, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit. This requires additional documentation including police clearance, medical examination, proof of employment or business registration, and sponsorship. Overstaying your visa can result in fines of 5,000-10,000 XOF per day, detention, or deportation. Always address visa status before expiration.

Business visitors should obtain a business e-Visa (rather than tourist visa) before arrival. Required documents include an invitation letter from the Togolese company or organization you will visit, detailing the purpose and duration of your trip. Bring multiple copies of this letter, your company's business registration documents, and business cards. If attending conferences or meetings, bring event documentation. Business visas allow for commercial activities but not employment. For actual employment or establishing a business, a work permit and different visa category are required, involving more extensive documentation and approval from the Ministry of Labor.

Journalists, photographers, and film crews must obtain special authorization from the Haute Autorité de l'Audiovisuel et de la Communication (HAAC) before arrival. Apply through a Togolese embassy with your media credentials, assignment letter, detailed itinerary, and equipment list. Filming permits may be required for professional video/photography equipment. Working as a journalist on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and equipment confiscation. Allow several weeks for processing these special permits.

Students planning to study in Togo need a student visa, which requires an acceptance letter from a recognized Togolese educational institution, proof of financial means to support yourself, accommodation arrangements, and medical certificate. Apply through the nearest Togolese embassy. Upon arrival, register with your institution and obtain a student residence permit from immigration authorities. This process typically requires assistance from your educational institution's international office.