Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso, except for:
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Savanes region.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Togo.
\n\nIf you’re a resident in Togo, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nTo stay longer (or to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Togolese government’s entry requirements.
\n\nApply and pay for an e-visa to visit Togo.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nYou must fill in a registration certificate online before you arrive in and depart from Togo.
\n\nTo enter Togo, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccines, see TravelHealthPro’s Togo guide.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Togo.
\nThe main threat in Togo is from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and other al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliated groups, including al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). JNIM is mainly active 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:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nBritish 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTerrorist 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.
\n\nPolitical rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place unexpectedly. Monitor media outlets, updates from the local authorities or from your travel operator about possible disruptions. Be vigilant if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, stay away and exercise caution. Turn around and move to safety.
\n\nThe cities of Sokodé, Bafilo and Mango have a history of violent demonstrations where protesters and security forces have been injured and killed. If you’re in an area of any town or city when a demonstration happens, leave immediately.
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\nTogo’s borders can close at short notice.
\n\nViolent 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.
\n\nYou can protect yourself and your belongings by:
\n\nThere have also been reports of carjackings. Armed criminals may stage a traffic accident so they can flag down vehicles.
\n\nScam 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.
\n\nCarry 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.
\n\nPossession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in fines and a prison sentence.
\n\nIt’s illegal to take photographs of or near sensitive or official sites such as:
\n\nSame-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo and penalties are severe. You could be fined or given a prison sentence.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nTogo 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.
\n\nSome ATMs in the capital, Lomé, accept international cards and dispense local currency.
\n\nOcean 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.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Togo, see information on driving abroad.
\n
\nYou 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.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nDrink-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.
\n\nRoads outside towns and cities are poorly lit. During the rainy season, minor unpaved roads may be blocked.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nDriving 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.
\n\nThere have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against large vessels in Togolese waters and those of neighbouring countries. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 8200 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Togo, including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nYou’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.
\n\nMedical facilities are poor. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation may be necessary.
\n\nMake sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nAmbulance: 8200
\n\nFire: 118
\n\nPolice: 117 or 177
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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