Togo travel guide
About Togo
A great introduction to Africa, ever smiling Togo is a melting pot of more than 40 tribes that together have managed to create a relaxed yet offhand charm in a country so small you can drive across it in under an hour.
Even its biggest city, the capital, Lomé, feels more like a town and is small enough to comfortably traverse on foot. Experience Togolese joie de vivre at the Grand Marche, which occupies an entire city block and sells everything from artisan products to fresh fruit. Better yet head to the Fetish Market, where fetish priests will fix you up with your own protective charm.
Voodoo and other animist beliefs are not just for tourists, with half the population following such practices. Togoville, on the banks of Lac Togo, is the historic home of voodoo in the country, and is a great place to learn more about religious customs and the meaning of shrines. Meanwhile, the lake itself is becoming something of a weekend retreat for the burgeoning middle-class and its desire for fine food and exciting nightlife.
Few leave the palm-fringed Atlantic beaches of Lomé and Aneho, but those who do head off the beaten track and into the hills or savannah will be richly rewarded. The hills offer superb hiking among the dense green foliage of coffee and cocoa plantations, and are where you can find the Kloto carvers, famed for creating multiple connected rings from a single piece of wood.
The savannahs of the north, by contrast, offer the chance to witness a more traditional way of life. Considered a symbol of Togo itself, Koutammakou is home to the remarkable takienta mud houses of the Batammariba people, structures that need to be seen to be believed.
Togo has a peaceful nonchalance that makes a quick conversation in Lomé’s Grand Marche as much of a highlight as any attraction, while its small size makes travel a relaxed and stress-free experience.
Key facts
56,785 sq km (21,925 sq miles).
7,496,833 (UN estimate 2016).
133 per sq km.
Lomé.
Republic.
President Faure Gnassingbé since 2005.
Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé since 2020.
Travel Advice
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Togo-Burkina Faso border
FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to the security situation in Burkina Faso.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Togo’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Togo set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Togolese High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Togo.
If you’re a resident in Togo, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Togo. A single-entry tourist visa is valid for 15 days. You must apply for a visa at least 6 days before you plan to arrive in the country. You cannot get a visa on arrival.
To stay longer (or to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Togolese government’s entry requirements.
Applying for a visa
Apply and pay for an e-visa to visit Togo.
Travelling through Togo
You must get a visa if you’re travelling through Togo. For layovers in Togo’s airports, it is advisable to check with the airline on whether a transit visa is required.
Online registration certificate
You must fill in a registration certificate online before you arrive in and depart from Togo.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Togo, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccines, see TravelHealthPro’s Togo guide.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Togo
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Togo.
The main threat is from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) and its associated groups, who are active mainly in the northern region of the country near the Burkina Faso border. However, attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:
- beach resorts
- hotels
- cafés and restaurants
- government buildings
- military bases and security installations
Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Terrorist kidnap
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
Terrorist kidnapping is infrequent in Togo, but may occur. FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to the security situation in Burkina Faso.
Political situation
Togo will hold regional and legislative elections on 29 April. During this period, British nationals should exercise heightened security awareness, avoid large crowds, monitor local media and follow curfews set by the Togolese authorities. If you’re in an area when a demonstration happens, leave immediately.
The cities of Sokodé, Bafilo and Mango have a history of violent demonstrations where protesters and security forces have been injured and killed.
Togo-Burkina Faso border
FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to the security situation in Burkina Faso and the risk of kidnapping in the region.
Togo’s other borders
Togo’s borders can close at short notice. The Government of Togo has announced that all international land borders will be closed on 29 April, the date of the national election. Air travel will be unaffected by this land border closure.
Crime
Violent crime, theft and pickpocketing are common in Togo, particularly on the beaches and markets of Lomé. Attacks take place during the day and at night.
You can protect yourself and your belongings by:
- not travelling alone, especially at night
- not carrying valuables or large amounts of cash with you
- making sure purses and bags are closed and not easy to grab
There have also been reports of carjackings. Armed criminals may stage a traffic accident so they can flag down vehicles.
Scams
Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities – and can cause financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Togo. Tell them to contact you to check you’ve made this request.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
Carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you at all times. Make sure you’re able to access the original quickly if needed.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in fines and a prison sentence.
Using cameras in secure areas
It’s illegal to take photographs of or near sensitive or official sites such as:
- military installations
- government buildings
- airport buildings
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo and penalties are severe. You could be fined or given a prison sentence.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
Togo is a cash-based society so bring enough cash with you to cover your visit. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Some hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards, but card-paying machines are not reliable so you may be asked to pay in cash.
Some ATMs in the capital, Lomé, accept international cards and dispense local currency.
Outdoor activities
Swimming safety
Ocean currents are very strong along the coast and there are a number of drownings each year. Dangerous beaches are unlikely to have warning signs. Follow local advice before swimming.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Togo, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Togo for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you’ll need get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Togo. There are no set blood alcohol content limits, but if traffic control officers suspect you of drink-driving they can order a medical exam. Punishments range from a fine and a prison sentence of one to 3 years.
Road conditions
Roads outside towns and cities are poorly lit. During the rainy season, minor unpaved roads may be blocked.
You may encounter official and unofficial roadblocks. Stop at control points if asked. Turn on your interior vehicle lights and only continue when you’re told you can.
Driving standards in Togo are poor and add to the risk of accidents. Public transport vehicles can be poorly maintained and are often driven over the speed limit.
Sea travel
There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against large vessels in Togolese waters and those of neighbouring countries. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 8200 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest information on vaccination recommendations for Togo
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Togo, including:
- yellow fever
- Zika virus
- dengue
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
You’ll need to go to a pharmacy to buy most over-the-counter medicines. They are not sold in supermarkets in Togo. Where possible, buy known brands. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. They will usually accept prescriptions from the UK.
Healthcare in Togo
Medical facilities are poor. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation may be necessary.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Togo
Ambulance: 8200
Fire: 118
Police: 117 or 177
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking lawyers in Togo
- dealing with a death in Togo
- being arrested or imprisoned in Togo
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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