Togo
West Africa • TGO
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Togo is a vibrant West African nation known for its diverse landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to rugged mountains. It offers a unique cultural experience with rich traditions, bustling markets, and historical landmarks that remain largely off the beaten path for mass tourism.
Visa Requirements
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Togo, though nationals of ECOWAS countries are exempt. Tourists can generally obtain a 7-day visa on arrival at the Lomé-Tokoin International Airport.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Popular Attractions
Lomé Grand Marché: A bustling central market in the capital where you can find everything from vibrant textiles to local herbs.
Koutammakou Landscape: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional mud-tower houses built by the Batammariba people.
Lake Togo: A large coastal lagoon perfect for boat trips and water sports, surrounded by serene fishing villages.
Togoville: A historic town on the shore of Lake Togo, famous for its colonial cathedral and local voodoo shrines.
Fazao Malfakassa National Park: Togo's largest national park, offering opportunities for hiking and spotting diverse wildlife in a lush forest environment.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always greet people with your right hand, as using the left hand for greetings or giving items is considered impolite.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals, especially at local markets or religious sites.
Dress modestly when visiting rural areas or religious sites to show respect for local values.
Public displays of affection are generally discouraged as they are viewed as private matters.
Accept small gestures of hospitality, such as offered beverages, with gratitude to build positive rapport.
Learn a few basic phrases in French, the official language, to show respect and ease communication with locals.
Safety Tips
Avoid traveling at night on intercity roads due to poor lighting and road conditions.
Keep your passport and important documents in a secure location and carry a photocopy instead.
Stay updated on local security news and avoid any large political gatherings or demonstrations.
Use only reputable, registered taxis for transportation within the capital of Lomé.
Stay hydrated and only drink bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses.
Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, including yellow fever, which is mandatory for entry.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission or for those who transit through yellow fever risk countries for more than 12 hours.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: Canada_Travel
Recommended for all travelers to Togo due to risk of hepatitis B infection.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: Canada_Travel
Recommended for all travelers to Togo due to risk of hepatitis A infection.
View sourceyellow fever
Source: UK_FCDO
A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Togo.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Required for all travelers aged 9 months and older entering Togo.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: WHO
Proof of vaccination is required for entry into Togo.
View sourceMeningococcal meningitis
Source: ECDC
A valid meningococcal meningitis vaccination certificate is required for entry into Togo.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Hepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may come in contact with blood or body fluids.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Drink bottled water and avoid street food.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.
Use DEET or other insect repellent.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
View sourceMalaria chemoprophylaxis
Source: Canada_Travel
Recommended for all travelers to Togo due to risk of malaria transmission.
Consult a healthcare professional or visit a travel health clinic before traveling to discuss antimalarial medication options.
View sourcedengue
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip
Be aware of the risk of dengue in Togo.
View sourceZika virus
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip
Be aware of the risk of Zika virus in Togo.
View sourceyellow fever
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip
Check the latest information on vaccination recommendations for Togo.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip.
Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Pneumococcal, Polio, and Shingles.
View sourceCOVID-19 Vaccine
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: WHO
Malaria is prevalent in Togo; taking prophylactic medication can reduce the risk of infection.
Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate medication and dosage.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations
Source: WHO
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel to prevent common infectious diseases.
Consult with a healthcare provider to confirm your vaccination status.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Typhoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside of major restaurants and hotels.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended due to potential exposure through contaminated food or water.
View sourceCholera Vaccine
Source: CDC
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Areas of active cholera transmission are localized to the region of Maritime in Togo.
View sourceTyphoid Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceHepatitis B Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Togo.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
View sourceHepatitis A Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Togo.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceMeningococcal vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers, especially if visiting crowded areas or during the dry season.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Meningococcal
Source: CDC
Consider vaccination if traveling to specific regions or during outbreaks.
View sourceMalaria Chemoprophylaxis
Source: CDC
CDC recommends that travelers going to Togo take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.
View sourceRabies Vaccine
Source: CDC
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
View sourceMeningococcal Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to areas of Togo that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season (roughly December to June).
Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book Map: meningitis belt.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria risk; check with a healthcare provider for the best options.
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country, except urban areas
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: All areas of Togo
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: All year
View source