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
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Togo’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There have been sporadic marches and protests in Lomé and around the country since August 2017, over demands to restore the 1992 constitution. You should remain vigilant, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow advice of local authorities. See Political situation
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Togo. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism.
Consular support is limited in Togo. The Honorary Consul in Togo can offer limited consular assistance. British nationals should contact the British High Commission in Accra, Ghana who can provide consular support. See Consular Assistance.
Coronavirus travel health
Togo has removed COVID-19 travel restrictions for all arriving passengers, however protocols at the airport may be subject to change. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Togo on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You should contact local authorities for information on testing facilities (available in French only).
International travel
Commercial flights are now operating to and from Togo. Check with your travel company for the latest information.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Togo.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Togo
Travel around the whole of the country is permitted.
Accommodation
Hotels in Togo are open.
Public places and services
Public places and services are open.
Health
Unlike in the UK, you will need to go to a pharmacy to obtain most over-the-counter medicines. They are not sold in supermarkets in Togo. Where possible, purchase known brands. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. They will accept prescriptions from the UK.
Anyone with concerns about coronavirus should call the government hotline on +228 91674242 or +228 22222073. There is also a freephone information number on 111. For more up-to-date information, in French, about the situation in Togo check the government website.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.
View Health for further details on healthcare in Togo.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Political situation
In the event of demonstrations in any part of the country, you should exercise caution, avoid crowds and monitor local media. You should respect any curfews set by the Togolese authorities.
You should exercise increased caution in the cities of Sokodé, Bafilo and Mango due to a past history of violent demonstrations where protesters and security forces have been injured and killed.
Crime
Violent crime, theft and pick-pocketing are common throughout Togo and you should be especially cautious in Lomé along the beach and in the markets. Attacks occur during daylight as well as at night. You should avoid travelling alone where possible, even within Lomé city limits, especially at night. You should be alert to the risk of car-jackings, including through staged accidents. It’s generally better not to resist armed attack.
Scams
British nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists operating in West Africa. The scams come in many forms: romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities and can pose great financial risk to victims. You should treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa.
Local travel
Exit and entry points at borders can be opened and closed at short notice. Be prepared for checks by the local police and military.
There is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in the region and a heightened risk of kidnap in Togo’s northern border area.
You should be aware of the risk of kidnapping and ensure you have carefully considered the threat.
Road travel
You can drive in Togo on a UK driving licence for a short stay. If you’re staying longer than 6 months, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required. This must be renewed annually. Conversion to a local Togolese licence is not required, although it is possible. You would be required to take a driving test in Togo.
From 1 February 2019, you can only get IDPs over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Driving standards and road conditions in Togo can be poor. Avoid travelling outside towns and cities at night as roads are poorly lit. During the rainy season minor, unpaved roads may become impassable. You should stop at all control points on request, turn on interior vehicle lights and only continue when permission has been given to do so. You may encounter official and unofficial roadblocks.
Take care when using public transport; driving standards and vehicle maintenance are poor.
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.
Swimming
You should take care if you decide to swim in the sea as ocean currents are very strong along the coast. There are a number of drownings each year.
Consular assistance
The number of British visitors to Togo is low. The main type of incident for which British nationals need consular assistance in Togo is replacing lost and stolen passports. You should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times and keep your passport in a safe place.
Consular support is limited in Togo as there is no British High Commission. The Honorary Consul in Togo can offer limited consular assistance. British nationals should contact the British High Commission in Accra, Ghana who can provide consular support.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Togo.
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.
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. You should remain vigilant at all times.
Togo contributes to the UN peacekeeping initiative in Mali (MINUSMA) and may therefore be considered a legitimate target by Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) and its associated groups.
As seen in Mali, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, terrorist groups continue to mount attacks on beach resorts, hotels, cafés and restaurants visited by foreigners. Be especially vigilant in these places.
This page has information on travelling to Togo.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Togo set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Togo’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
All travellers
You will need a visa to enter or travel through Togo as a visitor. Visas are no longer issued on arrival. You must apply for an e-visa at least 6 days before your arrival.
You will be required to fill out an online registration certificate on arrival in and departure from Togo.
Togo have withdrawn COVID-19 testing for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status. Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
Children and young people
Entry requirements for Togo are the same for all travellers, including children and young people. See All travellers.
If you’re transiting through Togo
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions to Togo’s entry requirements.
Compassionate reasons
Please contact the High Commission of Togo in London if you need to travel at short notice for compassionate reasons.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Passport validity
If you are visiting Togo, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
If you are a resident in Togo, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
British passport holders need a visa to enter Togo. Visas are no longer issued on arrival. You must apply for an e-visa before your arrival. A single entry tourist visa valid for 15 days costs 25,000 West African francs (FCFA), approximately £33. This can be paid by debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard). More information on application requirements and other visa categories. The Togolese authorities recommend applying for a visa at least 6 days before arrival, to allow for processing time. Applications submitted less than 6 days prior to arrival in Togo will incur extra processing fees.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Photography near sensitive or government sites, like military installations or the airport, is strictly prohibited.
Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.
Homosexuality is illegal. Penalties include fines and prison sentences. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Medical facilities are poor. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation would be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation and contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Other health risks
Water-borne diseases (including cholera), tuberculosis, meningitis and malaria are common.
The 2015 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 110,00 adults aged 15 or over in Togo were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 2.4% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Togo is a cash-based society and credit cards are not universally accepted, especially Mastercard. There are some ATMs at major banks in Lomé, dispensing local currency (West African CFA). Take care when using your credit card or an ATM.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, ), or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
