Practical Information
Visa & entry
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Lome or apply in advance at a Togo embassy. Tourist visas are typically 7, 14, or 30 days. Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory but recommended. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond entry date.
Money & payments
Currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with Senegal and other francophone neighbors. 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF; 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF. Exchange at banks or forex bureaus in Lome. ATMs (UTB, BICIS) dispense cash in Lome. Credit cards have limited acceptance; carry cash. Mobile money (MTN Money, Tigo Cash) is growing.
SIM cards & internet
SIM cards from Togocom, MTN, or Tigo are sold at shops and airports. Data is inexpensive and available; 1 GB costs ≈3,000-5,000 XOF. 4G/LTE covers Lome and major towns; rural areas are slower. Coverage is generally good across the country.
Getting around
Lome has shared taxis and minibuses; negotiate fares or use a local's recommendation. Regional travel is by minibus or shared taxi; journeys between major towns are 1-4 hours. Road conditions vary; main roads are reasonable. Driving yourself is feasible; local drivers are recommended. Motorbike taxis are ubiquitous and cheap.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Malaria is endemic; take prophylaxis and use repellent. Tap water in Lome should be treated or bottled; elsewhere, drink bottled water. Medical care in Lome is basic; CHU Sylvanus Olympio is the main hospital. Pharmacies are available. Travel insurance is recommended.
Language & etiquette
French is the official language; English is less common outside tourist contexts. Learning basic French or Ewe greetings is appreciated. Handshakes are standard; use right hand for greeting and eating. Religion (Christianity and Islam, with some traditional beliefs) is important; be respectful of prayer times. Togolese are warm and easygoing; conversations flow naturally.
When to go
Best time: November to February (dry season, cool). March to May is hot and humid. June to October is rainy; roads can flood in the south. The north is drier year-round. Lome is warm and humid most of the year. November-February are peak tourism months; expect higher prices. September-October sees the heaviest rainfall.
Getting there
Lomé's Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (LFW) is served by Air Senegal, Royal Air Maroc, and Brussels Airlines. The coastal road from Ghana enters through a beach border; northbound routes cross savanna toward Burkina Faso. Ferries and speedboats operate from Benin.