Togo is a narrow area along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. It contains many aspects of West African culture such as palm-lined beaches, busy markets, and mud huts from the ancient Koutammakou (a World Heritage site). Whether you are an EU citizen travelling from the Adriatic Coast of Croatia to the exciting beach of Lomé, you must first obtain an entry visa.

Your Croatian passport is a very powerful document since you are an EU citizen. However, there are specific entry requirements for Togo that need to be satisfied. This guide provides Croatian passport holders and Croatian residents with detailed information on how to apply for a Togo e-Visa from Croatia, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free application process for travel from Zagreb to Lomé.

Do Croatian Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Togo?

Yes, Croatian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter the Republic of Togo.

Unlike travel within the Schengen Area, Togo requires most foreign nationals, including those holding a Croatian passport, to possess a valid visa for entry, whether for tourism, business, or transit. The good news is that Togo offers a streamlined electronic visa (e-Visa) process, making a physical visit to a consulate unnecessary.

How Can I Apply for a Togo Visa from Croatia?

The entire process for obtaining your Togo visa is handled online through the designated electronic application system managed by the Togolese government. This modern system eliminates the hassle of paper applications and consular appointments.

The application is straightforward and involves three main steps:

1. The Designated Electronic Application System: Where to Submit Your Application

Your application must be submitted through the official government-designated platform. This is the only recommended route to ensure you are meeting the latest regulations and submitting your information securely to the relevant authorities.

Since Croatia does not host a Togolese embassy, the e-Visa path is the standard and most efficient method for Croatian travelers.

2. Filling Out the Digital Form

You will be guided through an online form where you input your personal details (passport data, contact information), travel itinerary (arrival/departure dates, port of entry), and information about your stay in Togo (accommodation details, purpose of visit).

3. Uploading Essential Documents

The final step is to digitally upload scanned copies of your supporting documents. Accuracy and clarity are paramount here; blurry or incomplete uploads are the number one cause of delays and rejections.

What Documents Are Required for a Togo Visa Application from Croatia? 

To complete your e-Visa application successfully, prepare digital copies of the following mandatory documents: the Togo visa required documents, which are essential for verifying your identity and travel details:

• Valid Passport: A color scan of the biodata page of your Croatian passport. The passport must be v
• alid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Togo.
• Passport Photograph: A recent digital photograph that meets biometric specifications.
• Flight Itinerary: A copy of your confirmed return flight itinerary or onward ticket showing both your entry and exit from Togo.
• Accommodation Proof: A scanned copy of your confirmed hotel reservation or a formal invitation/accommodation certificate from a host covering your entire duration of stay.

Additionally, remember that the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Yellow Card) is a crucial health requirement and is mandatory for entry into Togo, and must be submitted with your application.

What are the Photo Requirements for a Togo Visa?

The digital photograph is a critical component of the e-Visa application and must adhere to standard international biometric criteria to avoid rejection:

Pro-Tip: Since the application is digital, ensure the scan or photo quality is high-resolution, sharp, and not blurry.

Understanding the Visa Processing Fee

The application for a Togo e-Visa requires the payment of an applicable governmental processing charge. This fee is standard and must be paid online to successfully submit your application. Once paid, the Togo eVisa Fees will begin, with varying speeds depending on the selected processing category.

The exact cost of the Togo e-Visa varies depending on two main factors:

1. Visa Type and Duration: Whether you require a single entry for 15 days, or a multiple-entry visa for 15, 30, 60, or 90 days.
2. Processing Time Selected: The fee is tiered based on how quickly you need the visa approval (Standard, Expedited, or Urgent).

You must select the type that corresponds exactly to your travel plans and intended duration. Always confirm the current fees directly on the designated electronic application before payment, as government rates are subject to change.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Togo Visa?

The Togo electronic visa system offers several processing tiers, known for their efficiency. The processing time can vary based on the service selected:

• Recommended Application Time: It is highly recommended to apply for your e-Visa at least ten days to two weeks before your planned departure date to account for any unforeseen delays or requests for additional documentation, especially if opting for the Standard Service.

Once approved, your e-Visa confirmation will be sent to your registered email address.

Can Croatians Get a Togo Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

There was previously a VOA available in Togo when arriving at Lomé-Tokoin Airport (LFW) for a period of less than 8 days, however, there has since been an increased emphasis on applying for the e-visa before departing from Croatia to Togo. While it might technically be available to apply for a VOA upon arrival in Togo, obtaining an e-visa before departure is much safer, more secure, and provides a much higher chance of being granted access without incidents or issues when you arrive at the airport. 

The Togolese Government is making every effort to improve and streamline the e-Visa process, as it reduces the amount of time spent waiting in line and avoids a lot of confusion and inconvenience once you arrive in Togo.  You can avoid having to wait in line and have reassurance that you will be welcome when you arrive by applying for your e-Visa before leaving Croatia.

How Long is a Togo Visa Valid for Croatian Citizens?

The validity of your visa depends entirely on the type you apply for. For tourist travel, the available e-Visa types, including the Togo Tourist Visa, cover a range of durations and entry conditions, allowing flexibility based on your travel plans.

The Duration of Stay is the maximum number of days you are permitted to remain in Togo after you enter. Multiple-entry visas allow you to leave and re-enter Togo multiple times within the overall validity period of the visa (which is typically 3 to 6 months from the issuance date).

Ensure the dates on your application align perfectly with your booked itinerary. For a short holiday, the 15-day single-entry option is usually sufficient, but the multiple-entry options offer greater flexibility if you plan to visit neighboring countries.

Can I Extend My Togo Visa While Staying in the Country?

Yes, if you wish to stay longer than your initial visa permits, it is possible to apply for an extension while you are in Togo.

To do this, you must contact the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale et de l’Immigration (DNDI) or the relevant immigration office in Lomé. Extensions are typically granted for up to a total stay of 90 days, provided you have a valid reason and all necessary supporting documents (proof of funds, continued accommodation, etc.). Always initiate this process well before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.

What Are the Common Reasons for Togo Visa Rejection? 

While the e-Visa process is simple, applications are sometimes rejected due to administrative errors. To ensure a seamless approval, pay close attention to the following pitfalls:

1. Incomplete or Unsigned Forms: Missing fields or failure to complete all required sections on the digital form.
2. Poor Document Quality: Uploading blurry, low-resolution, or cropped scans of passports, photos, or tickets.
3. Mismatched Details: Discrepancies between the dates on your application, flight ticket, and accommodation proof.
4. Insufficient Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended departure date from Togo.
5. Lack of Yellow Fever Certificate: This certificate is mandatory and its absence is grounds for immediate rejection.

Do Non-Croatian Residents Living in Croatia Also Need a Visa for Togo?

Yes, the visa requirement for Togo is based on the nationality and passport you hold, not where you currently reside.

If a non-Croatian citizen (e.g., a Serbian, Bosnian, or Canadian national) is living in Croatia with a residence permit, they still need to check the specific Togo visa requirements for their passport.

For nearly all nationalities outside of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) block, an e-Visa is required. The application process and required documents remain the same; the key is using the passport you will travel on.

Summary of Key Takeaways for Croatian Travelers

Navigating the electronic visa process for Togo is simple and designed for the modern traveler. Remember the three vital points: use the designated application system, ensure your passport has sufficient validity (six months post-trip), and secure your Yellow Fever certificate.

Togo awaits you with its incredible blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. By completing these straightforward pre-travel formalities from Croatia, you ensure your entrance is as welcoming as the country itself. Happy travels!