Entry Requirements and Visas
Most visitors need a visa to enter Togo. At the border or airport, you can obtain a 7-day visa for CFA 10,000-15,000, with the exact price depending on your nationality. If you need to extend your stay, a one-month visa extension costs CFA 500, plus approximately CFA 1,000 for passport photos.
If you prefer to arrange your visa before arrival, the Togo Embassy in London offers 30-day visas for £55.
Getting There
Several airlines operate regular flights to Lomé's airport, including Ethiopian Airlines and Royal Air Maroc, which offer competitive fares from Europe. Alternatively, you can fly into Accra, Ghana, and take an air-conditioned bus to the border town of Aflao, then cross on foot into Lomé.
Overland travel is also possible. Bush taxis (shared minivans) operate from neighboring countries to Lomé for approximately US$5. The Trans-West African Coastal Highway connects Togo to Benin and Nigeria to the east, and Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to the west. Paved highways also connect northward to Burkina Faso and beyond.
Money and Currency
Togo's currency is the CFA Franc (XOF). Internet cafés charge CFA 100 per hour or CFA 2,000-3,000 for monthly access. You'll find street vendors selling calling cards, which offer affordable rates, particularly for calls to mobile phones from the United States.
Safety
Lomé, the capital, presents more safety challenges than typical West African cities and warrants extra caution. Avoid public beaches at any time of day or night, as muggings are common. Most of the country experiences little crime outside the capital.
If you need to travel at night in Lomé, take a car taxi rather than walking. Consider obtaining contact numbers for trusted taxi drivers if you plan an extended stay.
Road safety is a serious concern. Traffic conditions in Togo are dangerous, with speeding vehicles, overloaded buses, and motorcycles creating hazardous situations, particularly on curves and hills. The hilly road north of Kara is especially treacherous. Traffic represents the single biggest danger to travelers in the country.
Health and Water Safety
Drink only bottled water, such as Volta brand, or sachets of "Pure Water." Bissop juice is relatively safe because it is boiled, but avoid lemonade ("citron"), despite its appealing appearance.
Avoid roadside meals when possible. In Lomé, be aware that sanitation standards differ from developed countries.
Exercise caution with unfamiliar fruits. Ackee fruit, found in rural areas, should be avoided entirely. While locals may cook or eat the yellow parts, the black seeds and red fibrous rinds contain hypoglycin A, a toxin that causes severe hypoglycemia and can result in coma or death.
Staying Connected
Togo's international dialing code is +228. Telephone numbers have 8 digits.
Multiple mobile phone networks operate in Togo. If you arrive from Ghana and stay near the border, your Ghana SIM card will work without purchasing a Togolese one. Otherwise, local SIM cards are readily available.
Internet cafés are inexpensive and widely available in Lomé, though expect slower connection speeds on older equipment. Wi-Fi zones offer hourly or monthly passes at reasonable rates.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Greetings are important in Togo and more elaborate than in some neighboring countries. Greet everyone when arriving and departing. Handshakes are a key part of social interaction.
Show genuine interest in getting to know local people, which helps you integrate into your surroundings. Be respectful and considerate—balance making yourself comfortable with maintaining appropriate cultural boundaries.