As a precaution, it is recommended to have a small private security team on hand.
Lome
Lome/Kara/Atakpame/Dapaong
Krio and English
Franc
Diverse Climate
You will need to scan and upload the following documents: a copy of the first 3 pages of your passport, valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Togo, in color and clearly legible; a colour passport photo; a copy of your round-trip plane ticket; and optionally, a confirmation of hotel reservation or a certificate of accommodation from a town hall or prefecture in Togo. You may also need to provide medical and repatriation insurance (optional during application), your latest bank statement as proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay in Togo, and for business trips, a letter of invitation from the inviting person or organization, mission order, or verbal note. For professional or humanitarian stays, a copy of proof of your professional activity is required. Incomplete applications will not be processed, and the consulate will only accept complete applications. After submission, it’s essential to contact Action-Visas via mail, fax, or email to confirm receipt of your application. A vaccination certificate is also required.
You can access the application through the following links: Visa Application Login and Visa Application Registration.
International crew accreditation is required and processed along with the film permit.
The following documents are necessary for the accreditation application: an application for filming authorization, a summary of the filming project script, an estimated budget for the project, and supporting documents from the film companies involved in the production.
Permits are issued by the National Cinematography Department of the Togolese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
To apply for a filming permit, the following documents are required: an application for filming authorization, a summary of the filming project script, an estimated budget for the project, and supporting documents from the film companies involved in the production.
Our local fixer will handle negotiations with the private owner to agree on the terms for using the location.
The fee will be determined through negotiation between the fixer and the private owner.
Requests for authorization to use a drone must be submitted to the Ministry of National Défense and Army Reconstruction at least 3 weeks before filming begins.
A declaration of the drone and other equipment must be made at the airport, accompanied by the filming authorization.
The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is responsible for issuing drone permits. In collaboration with the fixer, the drone operator must submit an official request to ANAC. This request should specify the type of operation, the geographical area, and the desired duration of the drone authorization (UAS).
The approval process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
The cost will vary depending on the drone’s flying area and duration.
Yes, Togo is a Carnet country.
A carnet application and payment are required for bringing equipment into Togo.
Upon arrival at the airport, travellers must declare the goods they are carrying in detail, pay any applicable duties and taxes, and comply with exchange control formalities.
Customs service at the airport is responsible for issuing the clearance.
Togo is a stable and pleasant country to work in, offering a conducive environment for various productions.
As a precaution, it is recommended to have a small private security team on hand.
No film rebate / incentive
Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.
Film Production Services in Togo operate within a production environment that rewards flexibility,…
Hoodlum provides practical, fixer-led Film Production Services in Togo for international productions that need permits, local crew, location access, customs, drones, transport, security and full production support. Togo is a stable and workable West African production environment for crews that need structured access, clear approvals, local fixers, reliable logistics and a practical base for filming in Lomé and beyond.
Togo can support documentary, factual television, NGO, development, commercial, branded, humanitarian, cultural, corporate, current affairs and field-based productions. The country offers production opportunities around Lomé, coastal areas, public spaces, private locations, institutional environments, regional communities, rural routes and controlled commercial settings. It is a country where international crews can work efficiently when documentation is prepared early and the permit process is handled correctly.
Film permits and international crew accreditation in Togo are processed through the National Cinematography Department of the Togolese Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Applications typically require filming authorisation, a summary of the project script, an estimated budget and supporting documents from the filming companies involved in the project. Drone operations require separate planning through ANAC, the National Civil Aviation Agency, and requests for drone use must be sent to the Ministry of National Defense and Army Reconstruction at least three weeks before filming begins.
Hoodlum supports productions in Togo with visa guidance, film permit coordination, crew accreditation, fixer services, location scouting, private location agreements, drone permit planning, Carnet and customs support, local crew sourcing, transport, accommodation, security coordination and complete on-the-ground production management. Togo can be a smooth production destination when the crew works through the correct channels and builds the shoot around local timing and practical coordination.
Togo works for productions that need West African access with a stable operating environment, a practical coastal capital, manageable local logistics and a clear official permit path. It can support development stories, NGO projects, commercial productions, factual content, documentary filming, branded campaigns, institutional interviews, cultural sequences, public-space filming and regional fieldwork.
Lomé is usually the main production base. It provides access to accommodation, airport arrivals, customs services, transport, local crew, private locations, government liaison, fixer support and permit coordination. From Lomé, productions may work along the coast, move into regional towns, film in controlled private locations, cover humanitarian or development work, or build a schedule around public and community access.
Togo’s production strength lies in its combination of stability and structure. The country can be pleasant to work in, but international productions still need formal approvals. Film permits and accreditation require 10 to 15 days, drone approval can take 4 to 6 weeks, and visa applications must be submitted at least 5 working days before arrival. These timelines are manageable if they are included early in the schedule.
Hoodlum helps producers assess the production route, documentation needs, drone feasibility, private location requirements, security profile and customs plan before the crew travels. This ensures the shoot is built around Togo’s actual production process rather than assumptions.
Lomé is the central production base for most international crews filming in Togo. It is the most practical city for arrivals, accommodation, local fixer meetings, vehicle allocation, customs procedures, production briefings, permit coordination and controlled filming. Many Togo productions will either film in Lomé directly or use it as the base for regional movement.
The city can support interviews, commercial spaces, institutional access, public filming, coastal scenes, hotel-based production activity, office locations, private properties, markets, transport routes and contributor coordination. It also provides the best access to local production support and authority liaison.
Filming in Lomé should still be properly documented. Crews should carry film permits, crew accreditation, passport copies, visa details, production company documents and fixer contact information while filming. Public filming, government-adjacent spaces, ports, airports, sensitive infrastructure and official buildings may need additional coordination.
Hoodlum supports Lomé-based production with fixer services, permit coordination, local crew sourcing, transport, accommodation, private location access, customs support and daily logistics. A well-managed Lomé base helps productions move efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.
Togo’s coastal access can be useful for productions covering development, environment, trade, commercial scenes, maritime context, community stories, urban movement or branded content. Coastal filming requires planning around weather, road access, permissions, equipment protection and public visibility.
Public-space filming in Togo should be coordinated through the local fixer and, where required, local authorities. Even when a general film permit is in place, specific locations may need additional notice or access arrangements. This is especially important near airports, government buildings, ports, border areas, police or military facilities and other sensitive sites.
Regional filming may involve rural communities, development projects, private properties, institutional sites, local businesses or field access. These shoots should be planned around route timing, accommodation, local permissions, security, equipment movement and weather. A fixer helps identify the right local contacts and manages expectations before the crew arrives.
Hoodlum supports coastal, public and regional filming by arranging location research, access coordination, private agreements, transport, security advice and on-the-ground production support. Togo can be practical for regional filming when the local production plan is prepared before travel.
An online visa application form must be completed for entry into Togo. Visa applications must be made at least 5 working days before arrival. Productions should ensure that every crew member completes the process on time and has the required documents ready before submission.
The online visa application portals are:
https://voyage.gouv.tg/auth/login
https://neo.voyage.gouv.tg/auth/register
Applicants need to scan and upload a copy of the first three pages of their passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Togo, clearly legible and in colour. A colour passport photo is also required.
Additional visa documents include a copy of a round-trip plane ticket, the latest bank statement as proof of sufficient financial resources, and a vaccination certificate. Hotel reservation confirmation or a certificate of accommodation issued by a town hall or prefecture in Togo is optional but strongly recommended. Medical and repatriation insurance may also be included as optional when ordering.
For business trips, applicants should provide a letter of invitation from the inviting person or organisation, mission order or verbal note. For professional or humanitarian stays, a copy of proof of professional activity may be required. Film crews should prepare these documents carefully because production work will usually need to be supported by professional activity documentation.
Visa processing generally takes 5 working days. The listed visa cost is USD 92. Applications can only be submitted if complete, so productions should check passport scans, photographs, ticket details, accommodation information, insurance, bank statements, invitation letters and vaccination certificates before submission.
Hoodlum supports productions by helping align visa documentation with the production schedule, invitation materials, mission order, crew details, accommodation and permit plan. This helps the visa file match the filming activity and reduces the risk of incomplete applications.
International crew accreditation in Togo is required and is processed with the film permit. This means the accreditation file and the filming authorisation file should be prepared together rather than separately.
The application typically requires an application for filming authorisation, a summary of the filming project script, an estimated budget for the filming project and supporting documents from the filming companies involved in the project. These documents allow the relevant authority to understand who is filming, what the project covers, how large the production is and which companies are responsible.
Accreditation processing takes approximately 10 to 15 days. The listed cost is USD 750. Because accreditation is handled with the film permit, productions should prepare all materials before submission and avoid changing the crew or project scope after the application has been lodged.
Hoodlum supports productions by preparing the accreditation and permit materials together. We help organise the filming authorisation application, script summary, estimated budget and company supporting documents so that the production file is complete and consistent.
Film permits in Togo are issued by the National Cinematography Department of the Togolese Ministry of Culture and Tourism. International productions should obtain filming authorisation before filming professionally in the country.
The film permit application typically requires an application for filming authorisation, a summary of the filming project script, an estimated budget for the filming project and supporting documents from the filming companies involved in the project. These documents should clearly explain the production purpose, locations, format, crew structure, budget and responsible entities.
Film permit processing typically takes 10 to 15 days. The listed permit cost is USD 750. Productions should allow this time before confirming fixed shoot dates, especially when the shoot involves international crew, public spaces, drones, private locations, government-adjacent sites or multiple filming areas.
Because crew accreditation is processed with the film permit, the application should be treated as the central approval document for the shoot. Crews should keep copies of the filming authorisation and related documents available while filming.
Hoodlum supports film permit applications by preparing the required materials, coordinating with the local fixer, clarifying locations, aligning the budget and company documents, and advising whether additional location-specific permissions may be required.
Private location filming in Togo follows a clear practical process: scouting, rental agreement, notification to the Direction Nationale de la Cinématographie about filming locations, and payment of the required rental fees. A fixer or production partner helps manage each step.
Location scouting begins with the creative brief. The fixer identifies options based on the production’s requirements, including visual needs, access, crew size, sound conditions, parking, security, power, privacy and schedule. Once the production selects a location, a rental contract is signed with the owner or manager.
Private location costs depend on the rental arrangement. The required rental payments should be agreed before filming and clearly reflected in the location contract. Fees may vary depending on the location type, duration, exclusivity, crew size, equipment footprint, disruption and special access needs.
The Direction Nationale de la Cinématographie should be informed about filming locations. This is important because private access still needs to align with the broader filming authorisation process. A private owner’s approval does not replace the official permit.
Hoodlum supports private location work in Togo by coordinating scouting, rental contracts, owner negotiations, location notifications, payment arrangements and practical logistics for the shoot day.
Public filming in Togo should be organised through local support. Streets, markets, beaches, roads, ports, transport areas, government-adjacent locations, event spaces and community environments may require additional coordination depending on the location and the production’s visibility.
Crews should carry filming authorisation, crew accreditation, passport copies, visa details, company documents and fixer contact information while filming. This helps explain the production if local officials, site managers or security personnel ask questions.
Public filming should also be planned around crew size and equipment visibility. Small documentary crews may move differently from commercial crews with lighting, sound, drones and a larger footprint. The fixer can advise when a location is practical, when permission is needed and when a smaller operating style may be better.
Hoodlum supports public filming by identifying approval needs, preparing the crew, coordinating with local contacts and ensuring filming remains compliant and efficient. In Togo, public filming is workable when the production is visible to the right authorities and supported by local coordination.
Drone filming in Togo requires advance authorisation. Requests for authorisation to use a drone must be sent to the Ministry of National Defense and Army Reconstruction three weeks before the start of filming. Productions should not leave drone planning until the final stage of pre-production.
Drone permits are issued through ANAC, the National Civil Aviation Agency. Together with the fixer, the drone operator must submit an official request to ANAC specifying the type of operation, the geographical area and the desired duration of the drone authorisation, also referred to as UAS authorisation.
Drone approval processing generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. This is longer than the film permit timeline, so productions should decide early whether aerial filming is essential. If drone shots are part of the creative, the drone application should begin before or alongside the wider permit process.
The cost of drone approval depends on the drone’s flying area and the duration of operations. Productions should budget according to the number of flight areas, length of drone activity and any restrictions linked to the location.
Drone flights should be coordinated with film permits, private location agreements, public filming plans and security considerations. Flights near airports, military and police facilities, government buildings, ports, borders or other sensitive areas may require special authorisation or may be restricted.
Hoodlum supports drone planning by helping prepare the ANAC request, define flight areas, coordinate with the fixer and integrate drone activity into the production schedule.
Drone importation into Togo requires equipment declaration at the airport. A declaration of the drone equipment list must be made at the airport with the presentation of the filming authorisation. This means drone importation should be aligned with the film permit and the drone approval process.
Crews should prepare the drone make, model, serial number, value, batteries, operator details, flight areas and supporting approval documents before travel. The drone should appear clearly on the equipment list and should match the ANAC authorisation request.
Because drones are sensitive equipment, productions should avoid arriving with unapproved drones or incomplete documentation. Drone importation should be coordinated through the fixer, customs process and aviation approval route before the crew lands.
Hoodlum helps productions align drone importation, filming authorisation, ANAC approval and airport declaration requirements. This reduces the risk of delays when equipment arrives in Togo.
Togo is a Carnet country. Productions may use an ATA Carnet for temporary importation of professional filming equipment. A Carnet application and payment are required before travel, and the Carnet should be prepared accurately with the equipment list, values and serial numbers.
On arrival at the airport from a foreign country, travellers are required to declare in detail the goods carried, pay all duties and taxes due on the goods where applicable, and comply with exchange control formalities. Even with a Carnet, crews should be prepared for airport formalities and customs review.
Required documentation for customs clearance typically includes the ATA Carnet, detailed equipment list, production documentation and filming authorisation. The equipment list should cover cameras, lenses, sound gear, lighting, drones, batteries, grip, data systems and any specialist equipment.
Customs clearance is handled by the customs service at the airport. Formalities take place before leaving the airport and may take up to 2 working days depending on the equipment, documentation and production type.
Fees are set according to production type. Productions should confirm expected costs before travel and should consider using local fixer support to manage airport communication and equipment release.
Hoodlum supports customs clearance by helping prepare Carnet documentation, equipment lists, airport declarations and local coordination. In Togo, equipment planning should be part of the pre-production schedule rather than an arrival-day surprise.
Local fixers are central to filming in Togo. A fixer helps coordinate permits, crew accreditation, private locations, rental contracts, drone requests, airport customs, local crew, transport, accommodation, public filming, security and daily troubleshooting.
A Togo fixer may support visa invitation letters, mission orders, location scouting, filming authorisation applications, script summaries, budget documentation, company supporting documents, private owner negotiations, ANAC drone requests and airport equipment declarations.
Local crew sourcing depends on the production type. International productions may bring specialist camera, sound, lighting or directing personnel while using local fixers, drivers, assistants, translators, production coordinators, drone operators and security support in Togo. Larger productions may need a broader local production unit.
Hoodlum helps build the right local team for each Togo shoot. The crew structure should match the production’s permit requirements, locations, drone needs, budget, schedule and field logistics.
Transport in Togo should be planned around location schedule, crew size, equipment volume, traffic, road conditions, security and weather. Productions may need vetted drivers, suitable vehicles, secure loading, backup transport and route planning depending on the shoot.
Accommodation should be selected around access, security, power, communications, equipment storage, parking and proximity to locations. Lomé will often be the strongest base for international crews, while regional shoots may require additional planning around route timing and accommodation standards.
Field logistics should include charging, data backup, secure storage, weather cover, medical planning, food, water, local contacts and contingency time. Productions should avoid building a schedule that assumes immediate movement from airport customs into filming if equipment formalities may take additional time.
Hoodlum supports transport, accommodation and field logistics by coordinating drivers, vehicles, accommodation, local crew, equipment movement and daily production planning. Togo can work efficiently when logistics are organised around the actual production footprint.
Togo is a stable country and generally pleasant to work in. However, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to have a small private security team. The level of security required will depend on the locations, equipment value, public visibility and type of production.
A small private security team can help protect equipment, manage location access, support public filming and reduce avoidable disruption. This may be particularly useful when filming with visible cameras, drones, lighting, sound gear or larger crew movement.
Security planning should also consider vehicle loading, accommodation storage, public filming control, crowd management, equipment protection and night movement if relevant. Even in stable environments, professional production equipment can attract attention.
Hoodlum helps productions plan proportionate security support in Togo, including private security where appropriate, secure transport, location access control and practical equipment protection. Security should support the shoot without making the production unnecessarily heavy.
A vaccination certificate is required for the Togo visa process. Crews should confirm current health entry requirements before applying and make sure all documents are complete before submission.
Medical and repatriation insurance is optional during visa ordering but should be considered for international productions. Crews should also seek professional travel health advice before filming, particularly for regional shoots, long schedules, outdoor work or field-based production.
Productions should prepare for heat, hydration, insect exposure, travel fatigue, basic medical needs and access to medical support. Regional filming may require additional planning around clinics, emergency contacts, communications and vehicle access.
Hoodlum helps productions integrate health planning into visa preparation, accommodation, transport and field logistics. Health readiness is part of keeping the crew operational and the schedule stable.
No film rebate or tax incentive is listed for Togo. Productions should not budget around a local rebate unless a current incentive programme is confirmed through official channels.
Budgeting for Togo should focus on the operational costs required to film properly: visas, filming authorisation, crew accreditation, private location rentals, drone permits, Carnet costs, customs formalities, local fixers, transport, accommodation, security and contingency time.
Hoodlum helps productions budget realistically by identifying permit costs, location costs, drone costs, customs costs and local support needs before the crew travels. In Togo, production value comes from stable access, practical logistics and clear approvals rather than incentive-based financing.
Togo is the right production choice when a project needs a stable West African production environment, Lomé-based access, coastal filming, development stories, NGO work, commercial locations, private properties, institutional interviews, public filming or regional field access with manageable logistics.
The country is best suited to productions that can plan the permit process early. Visas should be submitted at least 5 working days before arrival, film permits and accreditation take 10 to 15 days, drone approvals take 4 to 6 weeks, and customs formalities may take up to 2 working days. These timelines are workable when included in pre-production.
Togo is less suitable for productions that need last-minute drone filming, incomplete visa applications or informal public filming without local coordination. The country is stable, but the correct approvals still matter.
Hoodlum helps producers decide whether Togo fits the project’s creative, timing, budget and logistical needs. When Togo is viable, we provide fixer-led support to keep the production compliant and operational.
A common mistake is leaving visa applications too late. Applications must be made at least 5 working days before arrival, and incomplete applications cannot be submitted.
Another mistake is separating crew accreditation from the film permit. In Togo, international crew accreditation is required and processed with the film permit. The filming authorisation application, script summary, estimated budget and company supporting documents should be prepared together.
Drone planning is another frequent issue. Drone requests must be sent to the Ministry of National Defense and Army Reconstruction three weeks before filming, while ANAC approval can take 4 to 6 weeks. Productions should not leave aerial filming to the last minute.
Productions also sometimes forget to inform the Direction Nationale de la Cinématographie about filming locations after private scouting and rental agreements. Private owner permission should align with the official film process.
Customs planning can also cause delays. Togo is a Carnet country, but crews still need to declare goods at the airport, present production documents and comply with customs formalities. This can take up to 2 working days.
Finally, productions may underestimate equipment security. Togo is stable, but a small private security team is recommended as a preventive measure, especially when filming with visible or high-value equipment.
Hoodlum supports productions in Togo with practical, fixer-led production services for international crews. We help coordinate the approvals, location access and field logistics needed to film efficiently and responsibly.
Our support includes visa guidance, invitation letter and mission order coordination, film permit preparation, crew accreditation, filming authorisation applications, script summary support, budget documentation, company supporting documents, private location scouting, rental contracts, Direction Nationale de la Cinématographie notifications, drone permit planning, ANAC coordination, Carnet and customs support, local crew sourcing, transport, accommodation, private security and daily production management.
We help productions prepare passport scans, passport photos, round-trip ticket copies, hotel confirmations, insurance where required, bank statements, invitation letters, mission orders, proof of professional activity, vaccination certificates, filming authorisation materials, company documents, drone requests and equipment declarations.
Togo is a stable and practical filming environment when the production is well organised. Hoodlum provides the on-ground support needed to keep international crews documented, coordinated and ready to film.
Yes. Film crews must complete an online visa application before travelling to Togo.
Visa applications must be submitted at least 5 working days before arrival in Togo.
Documents typically include a copy of the first three passport pages, a colour passport photo, round-trip ticket, proof of sufficient financial resources, vaccination certificate and, for business or professional travel, an invitation letter, mission order or proof of professional activity.
The listed visa cost is USD 92.
Film permits are issued by the National Cinematography Department of the Togolese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
A Togo film permit typically takes 10 to 15 days to process.
Documents typically include an application for filming authorisation, a summary of the filming project script, an estimated budget and supporting documents from the filming companies involved.
Yes. Crew accreditation is required and processed with the film permit.
The listed cost is USD 750.
Yes, but drone use requires advance authorisation. Requests must be sent to the Ministry of National Defense and Army Reconstruction three weeks before filming.
Drone permits are handled through ANAC, the National Civil Aviation Agency.
Drone approval usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Yes. Togo is a Carnet country.
Crews must declare goods in detail on arrival at the airport, present production documentation and comply with customs formalities. The process may take up to 2 working days.
No film rebate or tax incentive is listed for Togo.
Yes. Togo is stable, but a small private security team is recommended as a preventive measure, especially for equipment protection and public filming.
Contact Hoodlum today for expert Film Production Services in Togo, including fixer support, film permits, crew sourcing, drone permissions, customs clearance, location access and complete on-the-ground production management. For more information, visit the Hoodlum Film Fixers Togo Google Business Profile.