Welcome to Togo

With its salt-sprayed beaches, tucked-away lagoons, modern capital city and a mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Site, Togo is a gratifying destination. This thin little country in West Africa, between Benin and Ghana, is rich in culture and natural beauty.

Get off the beaten track in mountains and along rivers, perhaps sighting elephants as you explore. Koutammakou’s rustic adobe villages take you back to the traditions of the tribal folk who once resided here. In Lome, the low-key capital, stroll along Parisian-style avenues and sit awhile at delightful restaurants.

Unique Facts

• Togo’s main cash crops are cocoa and coffee. The main subsistence crops are yams and cassava.
• There is a traditional voodoo market in Togo. Voodoo is the oldest traditional form of African religion in West Africa.
• Evala is a traditional fighting festival in Togo, lasting for 10 days at a time. It is performed by the Kabya people of Northern Togo and the main activity is wrestling. It marks the transition into adulthood.
• Togo’s national beverage is sodabi – a liquor made from distilled palm wine and used at weddings, holidays and as a sign of hospitality.
• Togo is known for its beaches, including the popular Aneho Beach and Lome Beach.

Language

Togo’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Togo is November to February.

Airports

Lomé–Tokoin Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Togo: Measles, Yellow Fever and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Meningitis and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type C. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

West African CFA Franc

Getting Around

Most of the main roads in urban Togo are paved; most secondary roads are not. Driving conditions are hazardous throughout the country. Do not drive at night.

Public transportation includes small, private buses and taxis. Avoid motorcycle-taxis.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Lomé
4332 Boulevard Eyadema,
Cité OUA, B.P.852
Lomé, Togo
Telephone: +(228) 22-61-54-70
Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(228) 22-61-54-70
Fax: +(228) 22-61-54-99
Consularlome@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

n/a

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 117

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Togo. Violent crime occurs on a regular basis. Muggings and purse snatchings are common along the beach at night. Take standard safety precautions. Do not leave belongings unattended.