Traveling To Togo: What's The Deal With Expired Passports?

If you're planning to travel to Togo, it's important to ensure that your passport is valid and meets the entry requirements. The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. However, according to the UK government, your passport must have an expiry date of at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave Togo. For residents of Togo, the passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of arrival. Additionally, all visitors to Togo need a visa, except citizens of ECOWAS countries, the South African Republic, and Romania. It is recommended to check with the Togolese authorities or the nearest embassy for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding passport validity and visa requirements for your specific situation.

Togo's passport validity requirements

To enter Togo, your passport must meet the following requirements:

• It must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Togo.
• If you are a resident in Togo, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive.
• Your passport must have two blank pages.

Please note that these are the requirements for U.S. citizens. Passport validity requirements may differ depending on your nationality. It is always best to check with the appropriate government or embassy for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

In addition to a valid passport, there are other requirements that must be met before travelling to Togo. These include:

• A visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival or in advance at a Togolese Embassy or Consulate. The cost and validity of the visa may vary depending on the number of entries and the intended duration of the stay.
• A certificate to prove yellow fever vaccination.
• A return flight ticket.
• Two photocopies of your main passport page.

Visa requirements for Togo

All citizens, regardless of their country of origin, need a visa to enter Togo. However, there are exceptions for citizens of ECOWAS countries, as well as those from the South African Republic and Romania.

Visa Options

There are several options for obtaining a visa:

• Apply for an e-visa online.
• Apply for a visa at a Togolese Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
• Obtain a visa on arrival at border points and international airports. This option is only valid for seven days and costs CFA 10,000.

Visa Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Togolese visa vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of the stay. For example, a study visa requires proof of admission to a school or university in Togo, while a work visa requires an employment contract with a Togolese company.

In general, the following documents are required to obtain a tourist visa:

• A passport valid for a minimum of six months with two blank sheets.
• A return flight ticket.
• Two photocopies of the main passport page.
• A visa application form.
• A visa fee.
• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination.

It is important to note that the requirements may differ depending on the applicant's nationality, access point to Togo, and the specific embassy or consulate where they are applying.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must have an expiry date of at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Togo. If you are a resident of Togo, your passport must be valid for six months from the date of your arrival.

Yellow fever vaccination requirements

To enter Togo, you must have a valid passport and a visa. Your passport must have an 'expiry date' of at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Togo. If you are a resident in Togo, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Additionally, you must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination.

Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and fatigue. Those infected by the virus who show serious symptoms typically die within about 10 days. There is no cure for yellow fever, but the vaccine protects against it 100%. The vaccine gives the body immunity against the virus in 10 days and provides lifelong protection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including Togo. Proof of yellow fever vaccination should be required when travelling from these countries. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Togo aged 9 months or over. A vaccination certificate may also be required for subsequent destinations, including returning to your home country. For example, travellers arriving in Australia within 6 days of leaving Togo require a vaccination certificate.

There are specific categories of people who are exempted from the vaccination requirement, including babies under one year, pregnant women, people with HIV/AIDS with a CD4 count below 200, and people over 60 years old. People who experience health issues when vaccinated, such as those allergic to egg proteins, may obtain a medical letter to allow them to travel without a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

It is important to note that even if you are exempt from the vaccination requirement, you may still be at risk of contracting yellow fever. If you arrive in Togo without a certificate or medical form, you may be vaccinated at the border or airport, but you will remain prone to the virus for a period of about 10 days. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to get vaccinated before your trip.

Safety advice for travel to Togo

Togo is a country with beautiful landscapes and a rich culture, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind before planning your trip. Here is some detailed advice to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey:

Entry Requirements:

Before your trip, ensure your passport has an expiry date of at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Togo. Some countries may require even more validity, so always check with your travel provider and the local embassy. Additionally, you must obtain a visa before your trip, as they are required for all citizens, except those from ECOWAS countries, South Africa, and Romania.

Health and Safety:

Togo has a high threat of terrorist attacks, particularly from groups like Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), who are active near the Burkina Faso border. These attacks can be indiscriminate and may target places frequented by foreign nationals, such as cafés, restaurants, and government buildings. Stay vigilant, keep yourself informed about local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Violent crime, theft, and pickpocketing are also common, especially in Lomé's beaches and markets. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid travelling alone at night, and try not to carry valuables or large sums of cash. Additionally, there have been reports of carjackings, where criminals stage traffic accidents to flag down vehicles.

Scams targeting foreigners are also prevalent, so be wary of any unexpected business or romantic propositions that may result in financial loss.

Local Laws and Customs:

Same-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo, and penalties for this can be severe, including imprisonment and heavy fines. Additionally, it is illegal to take photographs of or near sensitive areas, such as military installations and government buildings.

Transportation:

Driving in Togo comes with its own set of challenges. Roads outside major towns and cities are poorly lit, and during the rainy season, minor unpaved roads may become blocked. You may also encounter official and unofficial roadblocks, so always stop when asked and follow instructions. Driving standards in the country are generally poor, increasing the risk of accidents.

If you plan to use public transportation, be aware that it is limited and inadequate. Vehicles are often poorly maintained and unsafe, so proceed with caution and opt for officially marked taxis when possible.

Natural Disasters and Climate:

Togo's rainy season runs from April to November, and seasonal flooding can impact travel and essential services. The harmattan, a dusty and sand-filled wind, blows in from the Sahara from December to March, reducing visibility and potentially affecting those with respiratory issues. Always stay informed about regional weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities.

How to renew a passport

To enter Togo, your passport must have an expiry date of at least three months after the date you plan to leave. If you are a resident in Togo, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive.

• Confirm you meet the requirements: You can renew your passport by mail if it is not damaged, has never been reported lost or stolen, was issued within the last 15 years, was issued when you were 16 or older, and was issued in your current name.
• Fill out your form online and print it: Use the Form Filler tool to fill out your form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. Complete all parts of the form, and be sure to sign and date it before mailing it.
• Submit your most recent passport: When renewing by mail or in person, you must submit your most recent passport with your application.
• Submit other documents: If you are changing your name, you must provide a certified copy of the legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court-ordered name change document.
• Enroll in email updates: Subscribe to receive email updates about your application status.

Please note that you cannot renew a passport for a child under the age of 16. You must apply again in person using Form DS-11.

Frequently asked questions