Togo travel guide

Travel Advice

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. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Togo.

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

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

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Togo and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Consulate in Accra, Ghana, who provide consular assistance for Togo.

FCDO in London

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)

Find out about call charges