Togo VOYAGE, the nation’s electronic visa (e-Visa) issuance system, was finished and relaunched on July 11, 2021, according to a statement from the Togolese Republic. The entire visa process for tourists and immigrants will be streamlined and made easier thanks to the totally digital website. The Togo-developed and relaunched solution represents a significant development in the government’s Digital 2025 Strategy.
History of Togo Voyage electronic visa (e-visa)
In February 2022, the Togolese Republic initially declared its aim to digitize the visa application procedure; the system was completely operational in June of that same year.
The Voyage platform, a current online tool that was introduced in August 2020 to track all immigration into and out of the West African nation, is expanded by the Togo e-Visa application. All travelers entering and leaving Togo must complete a form on Voyage.
However, the updated edition of Voyage also handles requests for residence permits and includes an automated visa application for Togo. Additionally, it enables tourists who have received the COVID-19 vaccine to disclose their status and unvaccinated travelers to sign up to undergo a PCR test.
The new system
With the use of the contemporary system, visa applicants will no longer need to physically visit the embassy or an immigration office in order to finish the full process. The website will additionally enable outgoing and incoming tourists to perform all required health procedures to guarantee safe travel, including paying for the required PCR testing.
Although the platform is currently solely meant for use by air fliers, the administration does, however, intend to extend it across both land and water boundaries in 2022. The Togo Digital Agency (Agence Togo Digital, ATD), which has been named the nation’s “catalyst for digital transformation in public administration,” is in charge of carrying out the project.
H.E. Madam Cina Lawson, Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, underlined Togo’s desire to digitize the economy in a news release that she shared with TechCabal.
“Togo has once again demonstrated that it is a pioneer in the field of digitization both on the continent and internationally. We are modernizing all facets of our economy as we strive to become a global hub for innovation and competence in the digital space, and the launch of Voyage Togo is yet another audacious move in that direction.
The new platform, according to H.E. Gen. Damehame Yark, Minister of Security and Civil Protection, would assist improve security at the borders because it makes it possible to build a special database for everyone entering and leaving the country.
“I like the Voyage Togo platform since it is changing how we do things at work. Today, we have access to a distinct and virtual database of travelers entering and leaving the country, which speeds up processing and enhances the effectiveness of our national security agencies, the official said.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Regional Integration, H.E. Prof. Robert Dussey, expressed his delight over the accomplishment. “The Voyage Togo platform is simplifying the procedures and formalities associated with travel to and from our nation. This is fantastic news for visitors from abroad to Togo, he remarked.
The Togolese government has pledged to complete the digitalization of all public services by 2025 in accordance with the Digital 2025 Strategy. Making it simpler for the government to provide effective services to its inhabitants and for investors to conduct business in Togo is the primary goal of the plan.
What are your thoughts about this Togo Voyage Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system? Do you think it’s the way forward for hassle-free travel to Togo? Let us know!