Togo
Packing list for Togo, travel insurance for Togo and taking your belongings
What to take to Togo: brief
To pack and check
- Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and a visa arranged in advance. Copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance and vaccination certificates, both digitally and on paper. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers entering Togo. The currency used in Togo is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Bring enough cash, or euros or US dollars, as a backup, as withdrawing cash and paying by card is often not possible outside the larger cities and hotels.
- Clothing: lightweight, loose-fitting and covering clothing for the hot and humid climate, both as protection against mosquitoes and because it is practical when visiting religious or rural areas. You could consider permethrin-treated clothing if you will walk a lot. Also bring a rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season.
- Shoes: comfortable sneakers or sturdy sandals for cities. For walks in rural areas and nature areas, closed shoes with good grip are more practical, especially during the rainy season.
- Toiletries and hygiene: high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser, tissues, wet wipes and enough personal toiletries.
- Packing and protecting your belongings: a good rain cover for your backpack and waterproof bags or a dry bag for your phone, passport, medication, and electronics.
- Insects and animals: plenty of insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. A tick remover is useful if you are travelling outside the cities.
- Sleeping: a mosquito net for basic accommodation, camping or rooms without proper mosquito screens or air conditioning.
- Medication and travel first aid kit: enough personal medication, including some extra in case of delays, oral rehydration salts (ORS), plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, hand sanitiser and a thermometer.
- Outdoor and useful items: sunglasses, a sun hat or cap, a reusable water bottle with a filter, a small daypack and a thin buff or lightweight scarf. A water filter or water purification tablets can be useful if you are travelling independently.
- Technology and equipment: Togo uses type C sockets. Do bring a powerbank and headlamp. Download maps, accommodation details, important documents and translation information in advance, especially if you are travelling outside Lomé.
- Safety and theft: a money belt and a securely closable bag can be useful. Some knowledge of photography restrictions, such as that photography of government buildings, military buildings, airports, or bridges is prohibited.
To consider:
- A water filter or water purification tablets.
- Offline maps and an offline French translation app.
- A supply of vegetarian or vegan snacks for longer journeys.
- Binoculars if you plan to visit nature areas.
- Good offline entertainment, such as an e-reader or a Sudoku book.
Are there mosquitoes in Togo?
- Yes, quite a lot, and they spread malaria throughout the country. Other mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, also occur.
- Malaria mosquitoes are mainly active between dusk and dawn, but other mosquitoes can also bother you during the day. Good protection is therefore important both during the day and at night. Think insect repellent, lightweight long clothing, and sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net if your room is not properly enclosed.
- More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.
Are there sandflies in Togo?
- Yes, sandflies occur in Togo and can transmit leishmaniasis. The risk is particularly relevant when you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural and natural areas.
- Sandflies are tiny, so you may barely notice them. Long clothing, good protecting insect repellent and sleeping under a suitable mosquito net can help prevent bites.
- Ticks are also found in Togo and can pose a health risk.
- More about sandflies and sand fleas.
Are DEET, or other insect repellents, available in Togo?
- You can find some insect repellents in Lomé and larger towns, but outside urban areas there is little to rely on.
- It is therefore a good idea to bring enough well-working insect repellent of your choice. That way, you will not run out.
- More about insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Togo, or bring it with you to Togo?
- Drugs, including cannabis, are illegal in Togo, so no. Possession, use and sale can have severe consequences, including large fines and imprisonment.
- Checking your luggage carefully before travelling to Togo, especially if you have previously been in a country where cannabis or other drugs are legal, can save your life.
