Togo Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Togo for $25, valid for only 7 days. An e-visa for 30 days is available online for a higher fee. Togo is a narrow West African country known for its Voodoo traditions and beautiful beaches.
United States passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Togo ports of entry.
Visa on arrival at Lome airport provides 7 days for $25 USD. This is insufficient for most visits. An e-visa (e-visa.gouv.tg) provides 30 days for approximately $60-80 and is strongly recommended to apply in advance. Required: valid US passport, photo, return ticket, and hotel booking.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with 6 months validity, yellow fever certificate required.
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 2 blank pages
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm). Bring extra copies as requirements may vary
Completed Arrival Card
Immigration arrival/departure card provided on flight or at port of entry
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservation, booking confirmation, or address where you will be staying
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country within visa validity
Visa Fee (Cash)
Payment for visa on arrival fee - bring exact amount in USD or local currency
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Cash, credit cards, or bank statements showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies during your trip
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Togo is generally safe compared to its neighbors, though caution is advised. Lomé is relatively secure but petty crime like pickpocketing occurs. Avoid border areas with Burkina Faso due to spillover security concerns. Political demonstrations should be avoided. The northern region near the Burkina Faso border has elevated risk.
Money & Costs
Currency
CFA West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $30 · Mid: $60 · Luxury: $130+
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10% in restaurants is generous. Small tips for guides are welcome.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
117 (Police), 118 (Fire), 191 (Emergency)
Getting There
Main Airports
Lomé (LFW)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Togo is during the dry season from November to March. December to February offers ideal weather with lower humidity. The rainy seasons (April-June and September-October) can make travel on unpaved roads difficult. The north has one rainy season (June-October) while the south has two.
Cultural Notes
Togo has a rich cultural heritage with over 40 ethnic groups. The Ewe and Kabye are the largest. Voodoo (Vodun) is widely practiced alongside Christianity and Islam. The country is known for its fetish markets, particularly the Grand Marché aux Fétiches in Lomé. Traditional festivals and ceremonies remain important.
Insider Tips
French is the official language. The West African CFA franc is the currency. Bargaining is expected at markets. Togo is one of West Africa's smaller countries, making it easy to explore. The country offers good value compared to neighboring Ghana. Shared taxis (motos) are the main local transport.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Togo: What You Need to Know
Togo is a narrow, elongated West African country stretching north from the Gulf of Guinea, wedged between Ghana (west) and Benin (east). Gnassingbe Eyadema International Airport (LFW) in Lome is the main gateway with connections from Paris (Air France), Brussels, Istanbul, Casablanca, and regional West African cities. Togo has been politically dominated by the Gnassingbe family since 1967; Faure Gnassingbe has been president since 2005. The US State Department advises Level 2 (Increased Caution) due to crime and political instability. Togo was made constitutional president-for-life by a 2024 constitutional change.
How to Get There
Paris (CDG) via Air France and Brussels via Brussels Airlines are the main Western connection hubs. Regional connections from Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin), Lagos (Nigeria), and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) make Togo easy to include in a West Africa coastal itinerary. Lome is accessible from Accra by shared bus or taxi (3 hours).
Money & Banking
Togo uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), pegged to the Euro. USD and Euros can be exchanged at banks and hotels in Lome. ATMs are available in the capital; carry cash elsewhere. Togo is affordable: a local restaurant meal costs $3-6, guesthouses $20-50/night. Lome's beachfront area has more expensive options.
Practical Tips
Lome has a wonderful seafront corniche and some of West Africa's most vibrant Voodoo markets (fetish markets selling animal parts and ritual objects). The Akodessewa Fetish Market is the world's largest Voodoo fetish market: an extraordinary and atmospheric experience. The Koutammakou landscape (UNESCO) in northern Togo features the unique Batammariba mud tower houses (takienta), extraordinary traditional architecture. The waterfall at Akrowa and the monkey sanctuary at Fazao-Malfakassa are good day trips from Atakpame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 7-day visa on arrival sufficient for visiting Togo?
Seven days is very short for a proper visit. The e-visa (30 days, available at e-visa.gouv.tg) is strongly recommended for anyone wanting to explore beyond Lome. Apply at least 3-5 days before travel. The e-visa costs approximately $60-80 but gives you adequate time for Lome, Kpalime, Atakpame, and the northern Koutammakou region.
What is the Akodessewa Fetish Market?
The Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lome is often called the world's largest Voodoo fetish market. It sells ritual objects including dried animal parts (monkey heads, leopard skulls, crocodile skins, bird talons), herbs, powders, and amulets used in Voodoo ceremonies by traditional healers (bokono). It is a striking and sensory experience. Photography is allowed for a small fee; bargain respectfully.
What is Koutammakou in northern Togo?
Koutammakou (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in northeastern Togo is the homeland of the Batammariba people, known for their extraordinary two-story mud tower houses called takienta. These fortress-like towers with thatched roofs and defensive design are unique to this region and represent a living cultural landscape of extraordinary architectural significance. The area is about 400 km from Lome -- reachable by bus or 4WD.