Get ready for Togo! Tucked right between Ghana and Benin, this West African gem is simply bursting with life—picture rich traditions, lively local markets, and a gorgeous, sunny coastline.

Good news for French travelers: visiting Togo is now easier than ever! The new electronic visa (eVisa) system means you can get your travel authorization quickly and without the usual fuss. With the Togo E-Visa for French Citizens, the process becomes even simpler and more convenient.

We’ve put together this easy guide with all the essential documents and visa choices you’ll need. Let us help you start your journey to Lomé and beyond smoothly and completely stress-free!

Do French Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Togo?

Yes, French passport holders are required to obtain a valid visa prior to their arrival in Togo, even for short tourist visits. Since the official launch and recent updates to the online platform, the Togolese government strongly encourages—and often mandates—the use of the e-Visa system. This electronic authorization is the fastest, most efficient way for French citizens to secure the necessary entry permit.

Which type of Togo Tourist E-Visa Options are Available?

The e-Visa system offers several Tourist Visa categories tailored to different trip lengths and travel frequencies, giving French citizens flexibility when planning their itinerary.Here are the primary Tourist e-Visa options:

Visa Type	Validity Period	Entry Type	Ideal for…
Tourist Visa	15 Days	Single Entry	Short layovers or quick visits focused on one city.
Tourist Visa	15 Days	Multiple Entry	Brief cross-border trips or returning shortly after a visit.
Tourist Visa	30 Days	Multiple Entry	Standard vacation, exploring a single region thoroughly.
Tourist Visa	60 Days	Multiple Entry	Extended travel, deep cultural immersion, or visiting multiple regions.
Tourist Visa	90 Days	Multiple Entry	Long stays, extensive travel across West Africa, or family visits.

For most leisure travelers, the 15-day single entry is sufficient, but if you plan on exploring neighboring countries like Benin or Ghana and returning to Togo, the multiple-entry options (30, 60, or 90 days) are highly recommended.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for the Togo E-Visa? 

The application process is entirely digital, meaning all documents must be scanned and uploaded clearly. To avoid common rejection reasons like incomplete files, ensure you have these critical items ready before starting your application:

1. Valid Passport: A clear scan of the biodata page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Togo, and should have at least one blank page for stamps.
2. Passport Photograph: A recent, colored passport-style photo, generally with a plain, light-colored background.
3. Flight Itinerary: Confirmed return ticket or proof of onward travel from Togo.
4. Accommodation Proof: Proof of where you will be staying in Togo, such as a confirmed hotel reservation or a formal Letter of Invitation/Accommodation Certificate from a host.

What are the Different E-Visa Processing Times?

The processing of your e-Visa application depends on the urgency of your travel. The Togolese authorities offer different tiers of service, though it’s always best to apply with ample buffer time.The typical processing windows are:

• Normal Processing: 6–9 Working Days, for Travelers planning well in advance (recommended standard).
• Rush Processing: 4–7 Working Days, for Travelers with moderately flexible plans or upcoming deadlines.
• Super Rush Processing: 3–5 Working Days, for Last-minute travel or urgent applications (incurs a higher fee).

It is important to note that the official minimum processing time is often stated as five working days. Choosing a “Rush” or “Super Rush” option will incur higher consular fees but can dramatically expedite your authorization.

How Far in Advance Should I Apply for My E-Visa?

Given the suspension of express visas (see below) and the potential for delays, the official recommendation is to submit your application a minimum of five working days before your travel date. Ideally, French travelers should aim to apply at least two to three weeks before departure. This timeline accommodates any unexpected administrative delays or requests for supplementary documents.

Can I Apply for a Togo Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

Stop the Press! The Togolese Ministry of Security has made a crucial update: the “express” visas you used to get upon arrival (VoA) are temporarily suspended. This is a big deal!

If you’re a French citizen, you must get your e-Visa before you fly to Togo. If you show up without a pre-approved e-Visa, your airline could deny you boarding, or you could be turned away at the Lomé-Tokoin International Airport (LFW). Don’t risk it!

What Should I Do After My e-Visa is Approved?

Once you receive your approved e-Visa via email, you must take the following steps:

1. Print a Copy: Print a physical copy of the e-Visa confirmation document.
2. Verify Details: Double-check that the visa dates and personal information match your passport exactly.
3. Keep it with Your Passport: Carry the printout with your valid French passport (which must be the same one used for the application) when traveling.

What are the Passport Requirements for the E-Visa Application?

The passport you submit for the e-Visa application must be the same one you travel with. Key requirements are:

• Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Togo.
• Quality: The scanned copy must be clear, legible, and in color, showing all personal details and the machine-readable zone at the bottom of the page.
• Blank Pages: It must contain at least one to two unused pages for entry and exit stamps.

Is the Togo E-Visa Single Entry or Multiple Entry?

Togo Tourist e-Visa comes in both single-entry and multiple-entry formats, depending on the duration you select:

• Single Entry: Typically limited to the 15-day visa option.
• Multiple Entry: Available for the 15-day, 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day visas. This is highly beneficial for French travelers who plan to cross land borders for regional exploration and return to Togo within the visa’s overall validity period.

What are the Main Reasons for an e-Visa Rejection?

While most French applicants receive approval smoothly, rejections can occur. The common causes are:

• Passport Validity: The passport is valid for less than six months upon arrival.
• Inconsistent Data: The information submitted on the form (e.g., name, date of birth) does not exactly match the details on the scanned passport copy.
• Poor Document Quality: Uploaded scans of the passport or photo are blurry, cut off, or not in the required format.
• Incomplete Application: Missing the flight itinerary or proof of accommodation.

Can I Extend My Tourist E-Visa While in Togo?

If you find yourself captivated by Togo and wish to extend your stay beyond the duration granted by your e-Visa (e.g., beyond 90 days), you must contact the General Directorate of National Documentation (DGDN) in Lomé before your current visa expires. They will guide you through the local extension process, which may require additional fees and documentation.

Why is a Travel Itinerary Required?

The flight itinerary (round-trip ticket) is a mandatory requirement that serves as crucial evidence of your intent to leave Togo after your visit. It helps confirm your status as a genuine tourist or business visitor and aligns your requested visa duration with your travel plans, reducing the risk of overstaying.The Togo e-Visa process is a reflection of the country’s growing openness to tourism. By preparing your documents in advance and understanding the various options and processing times, your journey to the historic sites and vibrant culture of Togo will be smooth and worry-free.Whether you’re visiting the fetish markets, relaxing on the beaches, or exploring the Kpalimé waterfalls, obtaining your e-Visa online is the crucial first step to an unforgettable adventure.