Togo entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Togo. There's no visa on arrival. The process is straightforward, but you need to check your passport's validity and have an onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Togo eVisa at evisa.gouv.tg at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 15 days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Lomé Airport will check it before issuing your entry stamp.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Togo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Togo | Immigration at Lomé Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they do not accept verbal itineraries. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Togo. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 200,000 XOF (about $330 USD) per person. Immigration rarely checks this, but having it ready avoids delays if they ask. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for South Africans. Apply online at least 2 weeks before your trip. The official site is https://evisa.gouv.tg/.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.tg/ and fill out the form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on processing speed). Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get a PDF approval by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration at Lomé–Tokoin Airport will ask to see it.
3
Arrive at Lomé–Tokoin Airport (LFW)
After landing, head to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout or phone, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious.
Download Togo Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Apply at Togolese embassy or via eVisa. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Togo. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Togolese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for South African passport holders. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Togo
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Togo do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW)
Health & vaccines for Togo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Togo; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Lomé
Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale (DGDN)
Avenue de la Présidence, Lomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kara
Direction Régionale de la Documentation Nationale
Boulevard du 13 Janvier, Kara
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for northern Togo; can handle extensions.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalLomé
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 564.8 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male earth pin).
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Togo removed visa on arrival for South Africans. You must get an eVisa online before you travel.
Usually 3–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no rush service advertised.
Around $30–$50 depending on the processing option you choose. The exact fee is shown during the application on the official site.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport first.
Yes. Togo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card at immigration.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or check with the Togolese immigration office in Lomé before your visa expires.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a booked onward ticket — even a cheap bus ticket to a neighbouring country works.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.