Togo
About
| Togo is in between neighbouring Ghana, Burkina Faso and Benin. Yet this tiny sliver of a country manages to squeeze in dense forests, savannah, coastal lagoons, long sandy beaches and swampy plains. The capital city Lomé lies on the Gulf of Benin and is the only capital in the world situated right next to a border. Modern hotels line the beach, while the city's past can be uncovered among the pockets of colonial architecture and its traditions discovered in the famous fetish market, which sells traditional remedies and carved figures to ward off evil. Spot wildlife in the Fazao National Park outside Sokodé, the Kéran National Park near Kara and the Fosse aux Lions (Lions' Den) southwest of Dapaong. Cool off at the lakeside resort of Porto Seguro, which has waterskiing and sailing facilities. Go whale watching in the Gulf of Benin. Whales can be seen here every October. |
|
| Capital: | Lomé (LFW) |
| Currency: | West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| Language: | French, Ewe and Kabyé. English and German may be spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 228 |
| Time Zones: | No UTC/GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. An International Driving Permit is required. |
| Best Time to go: | Mid-July to mid-September |
| Best For: | “Africa in miniature”: sandy beaches, rainforest, colonial architecture, traditional markets and religions, mud houses. |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Women should dress modestly in the more strictly Muslim areas. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | The ocean currents along the coast can be very strong and there is some risk of drowning. Police checkpoints are frequent and may cause delays |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Togo without incurring customs duty: • 100 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco. • 1 bottle of spirits and 1 bottle of wine. • 500ml of eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Fruit and vegetables require a phytosanitary certificate. |
Issuing Authorities
High Commission of Togo in South Africa
235 John Street, Muckleneuk Hill, Pretoria
Tel: 012 343 5939
E-mail: ambatogopretoria@yahoo.fr
Web: embassyoftogoza.com/
Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00-16:00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 13; Mar 31; Apr 21, 27; May 1, 29; Jun 7, 21; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 13; Mar 20; Apr 6, 27; May 1, 14, 25, 27; Jun 21; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Visas and immigration formalities can be applied for online:voyage.gouv.tg
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- A duly completed online visa application form
- A scanned copy of the first three pages of the passport, the validity of which is three (3) months longer than that of the Visa applied for
- One (1) recent passport photo
- A flight booking certificate or a photocopy of the ticket - Required if arriving by air
RECOMMENDED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
- Travel insurance
- Hotel reservation or an accommodation certificate issued by the town hall or the prefecture
- Letter of invitation from the person or the organization inviting
- Bank certificate or statement of account as proof of sufficient financial resources to support the stay
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Before travelling to Togo, complete the entry and health requirements on https://voyage.gouv.tg/. You will need to print the registration slip, and present it before boarding your flight.
Visa Processing Time
5 Working Days. Applications made less than 6 days before travel will be subject to an additional charge.
Visa Validity
Max 90 days
Visa Cost
TOURIST VISAS:
1-15 days (single entry): 25 000 F CFA
1-15 days (multiple entry): 35 000 F CFA
16 - 30 days (multiple entry: 45 000 F CFA
30 - 90 days (multiple entry): 65 000 F CFA
For other visa types, please check on voyage.gouv.tg/about
SA Representative
Accredited from Cotonou, Benin.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
