The Consular Section of the Embassy provides a variety of services ranging from warnings, medical alerts, and expediting passport applications and registration of American citizens to visa issuance for travel to the United States. We no longer issue passports. American citizens are encouraged to visit the Consular Section from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday. In the event of an emergency involving an American citizen during non-working hours, an Embassy duty officer is available. To contact the duty officer, the American citizen should telephone the Embassy and describe the problem to the Marine Security Guard who will then notify the duty officer.

Passports

    The Consular Section no longer issues passports. We do, however assist in expediting passport applications. We can accept your application and forward it to the U.S. The new passport is then returned to the Consular Section at which point we provide it to you. The process normally takes two weeks. We can assist both previous passport holders and first-time applicants. Previous passport holders who have lost their passports or had their passports stolen will be required to prove their citizenship and identity, and provide a police report. American citizens who travel extensively can ask for extra pages for their passport. There are no forms or fees required for extra pages.

Registration

Americans traveling or residing in Togo are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the Embassy. The registration of citizens allows the Embassy to know more accurately the number and location of American citizens should an emergency arise. It also enables the Consular Officer to locate an individual in the event of a family or business emergency in the United States. Registrants can be assured that Privacy Act restrictions preclude the Embassy from releasing information about an American citizen without his/her explicit authorization.

Births in Togo

    Parents of American children born abroad should obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, which serves as evidence of the child's U.S. citizenship. Reports of birth should be obtained as soon as possible after the birth of the child.

Notarials and Assistance with Federal Agencies

    The Consular Officer can notarize documents for use in Togo or the United States for $30. Powers of attorney, affidavits, wills, and depositions are common documents notarized by the Consular Section. The Consular Section can also notarize translations and true copies of documents. Most federal income tax forms are available. The Consular officer is not, however, a tax expert and cannot advise taxpayers on American tax law. The Consular Section does not carry state income tax forms. American citizens wishing to apply for Social Security cards may apply at the Consular Section. A passport and an original or notarized copy of the birth certificate are needed to complete the application. The Consular Section maintains up-to-date copies of the U.S. Voting Assistance Guide, Absentee Ballot Applications, and Federal Post Card Registrations.

Services to American Citizens in Distress

     The Consular Section maintains a list of attorneys and notaries practicing law in Togo. The Consular Officer, however, is not permitted to advise Americans on legal matters or to recommend a particular lawyer from the list. The Consular Section provides services to Americans in distress, including visiting detainees in Togolese custody, arranging financial assistance for Americans who are temporarily without money, providing information about physicians and hospitals, helping family members and friends in the United States locate and transmit information to American citizens believed to be in Togo, and handling the deaths of Americans abroad.

Immigration and Visa Assistance

    In addition to assisting American citizens, the other major responsibility of the Consular Section is the issuance of visas to foreigners going to the United States. Non-immigrant visas are issued to eligible foreigners who wish to go to the United States on a temporary visit, usually for tourism, business, or study. Immigrant visas are issued to foreigners for the purpose of permanent residence in the United States. Contact the Consulate for details on documentation requirements. Non-immigrant interviews are conducted on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please be at the Embassy by 9:30 a.m. Visas are issued the same day when possible. Immigrant visas are handled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.