Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded e-Visa Options
Togo has streamlined its e-visa system for 2026, allowing online applications for most nationalities with faster processing times of 3-7 days. The fee starts at €30, and it's valid for single or multiple entries up to 90 days. Always check the official Togo immigration website for updates before applying.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Togo, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a strict requirement enforced at all borders to ensure traveler legitimacy.
Renew your passport early if needed, as processing times can vary by country, and some airlines may deny boarding without sufficient validity.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of several West African nations like Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel. However, most other nationalities, including those from the EU, US, and Asia, require a visa in advance.
Verify your eligibility through Togo's embassy, as agreements can change, and overstaying without permission incurs fines up to $100 per day.
Visa Applications
Apply for a tourist visa (€30-50 fee) through Togo's e-visa portal or at your nearest embassy, submitting documents like a completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of sufficient funds (at least €50/day).
Processing typically takes 3-10 days for e-visas, but allow up to 30 days for embassy applications to account for holidays or high demand periods.
Border Crossings
Land borders with Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso are common entry points, often requiring a yellow card for vaccinations and visa checks that can take 1-2 hours due to manual processing. Air arrivals at Lomé-Tokoin Airport are smoother with dedicated immigration lanes.
Expect questions about your itinerary and accommodations; having printed confirmations speeds up the process and reduces scrutiny.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas), trip delays, and activities like beach visits or village tours. Policies should include at least €30,000 in medical coverage due to limited healthcare facilities.
Providers like World Nomads offer Togo-specific plans starting at €4/day; carry a digital and printed copy for border officials.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days are available at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in Lomé for a fee of around €20, requiring proof of onward travel and financial means.
Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid penalties; approvals are discretionary and depend on your reason for staying longer, such as cultural immersion or health issues.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Togo uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Lomé by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights from Europe or Africa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at maquis (street eateries) for affordable meals like fufu and sauce under 3,000 XOF, skipping touristy beach resorts to save up to 50% on food costs.
Local markets in Lomé offer fresh fruits, grilled meats, and ready-made dishes at bargain prices, often half the cost of sit-down restaurants.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared bush taxis or moto-taxis for intercity travel at 2,000-5,000 XOF per leg, far cheaper than private options and covering most routes efficiently.
No formal passes exist, but negotiating group rides or using apps like local ride-hailing can bundle costs for multiple days of travel.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Lomé, hike in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, and wander traditional markets, which are cost-free and provide authentic cultural immersion.
Many villages in the north offer free walking tours if you engage respectfully with locals, avoiding paid guides for basic sightseeing.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Lomé shops, but carry cash (CFA francs) for markets, taxis, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs like Ecobank for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions up to 10%.
Site Entry Discounts
Look for bundled tickets to sites like the Togo National Museum and Koutammakou UNESCO area for around 5,000 XOF total, ideal for multi-stop days.
Students and seniors often get 50% off; carry ID to maximize savings on cultural and natural heritage visits.
Smart Packing for Togo
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and modest village visits. Include quick-dry items for humidity and a sarong for cultural sites.
Modest attire is key in rural areas; avoid revealing clothing to respect local customs and reduce unwanted attention.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E), solar charger for remote areas with unreliable power, offline maps like Maps.me, and a waterproof phone case. A portable fan helps in hot, humid conditions.
Download French language apps and eSIM for data, as Wi-Fi is spotty outside Lomé; back up photos daily due to dust risks.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-malarials, bandages, and rehydration salts, plus yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory). Include DEET repellent and water purification tablets.
For longer stays, pack probiotics for digestive issues from local water; consult a travel clinic for typhoid and hepatitis shots.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for market explorations, reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight hammock for beach rests, and CFA cash in small notes. A money belt secures valuables in crowded areas.
Include passport copies, emergency contacts, and a headlamp for power outages common in rural Togo.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for dusty roads and national park trails, plus flip-flops for beach and shower use. Sturdy options protect against thorns and uneven terrain.
Waterproof boots are vital during rainy season for mud; break them in before travel to avoid blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Include high-SPF sunscreen, biodegradable soap, wet wipes for water shortages, and a compact mosquito net for outdoor sleeping. Lip balm and moisturizer combat dry harmattan winds.
Travel-sized items keep luggage light; stock up on tampons in Lomé as they're scarce elsewhere, and pack eco-friendly products for sensitive environments.
When to Visit Togo
Dry Season (December-February)
Perfect for beach relaxation in Lomé and exploring Koutammakou's adobe architecture, with mild temperatures of 25-30°C and low humidity under clear skies.
Fewer rains mean better road access for northern villages; festivals like the Lomé Carnival add vibrant cultural energy without peak crowds.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
Ideal for wildlife spotting in Fazao-Malfakassa with hot days around 30-35°C, though dust from harmattan winds can affect visibility.
Great for water sports at Lake Togo; book accommodations early as this shoulder season sees rising tourism before rains arrive.
Rainy Season (June-September)
Best for lush landscapes and birdwatching, with temperatures of 25-30°C but frequent afternoon showers that keep things green and vibrant.
Lower prices on hotels; focus on indoor activities like museum visits in Lomé, though some rural roads may become impassable.
Post-Rainy Season (October-November)
Excellent for hiking and harvest festivals with cooling temps of 24-28°C and minimal rain, offering the best of verdant scenery without extremes.
Markets overflow with fresh produce; this transitional period avoids holiday crowds while providing comfortable weather for outdoor adventures.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Fixed rate to euro (1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF). Cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas.
- Language: French is official; Ewe and Kabiye widely spoken. English limited, but basic French phrases help in interactions.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 year-round
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 117 for police, 118 for ambulance, 111 for fire
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants or 500-1,000 XOF for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Available in Lomé and major towns. Look for "Pharmacie" signs; bring prescriptions from home