Togo is a compact, underrated West African country with striking landscapes and the extraordinary Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé. Easy e-visa (USD 50, no YF cert for South Africans). Excellent base for multi-country West Africa — Benin and Ghana are both within 3 hours.
Key Warnings
Initial stay is 7 days — extend to 30 days at the Direction de la Documentation Nationale in Lomé centre if needed.
French is the official language — English is uncommon. Download offline translation app.
Malaria is present — take prophylaxis throughout Togo.
Insider Tips
The Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé is the world's largest voodoo market — hundreds of stalls selling dried animal parts, skulls, and traditional medicine. Unique and genuinely fascinating cultural experience. Photography with permission is welcome.
Kpalimé in the Plateaux Region (120km north of Lomé by road) is a refreshing mountain escape — cooler temperatures, lush green hills, waterfalls, and butterfly farms. The Monkey Sanctuary and Aklowa Falls are highlights.
Togo's strategic location makes it ideal for West Africa multi-country trips: Lomé to Cotonou (Benin) is 2 hours by bush taxi/shared taxi; Lomé to Accra (Ghana) is 3 hours via Aflao border. Benin and Ghana also have easy e-visa or visa-free access for South Africans.
Step-by-Step Guide
Apply e-visa at evisa.gouv.tg
Upload passport, photo, return ticket. Pay USD 50 (~ZAR 815) by card. Approval in 48–72 hours. Print e-visa letter.
Lomé (Grand Marché, Cathedral, Akodessewa Fetish Market), Kpalimé (green hills, waterfalls, butterflies), Togoville (Lake Togo). Day trips to Benin (2 hours) or Ghana (3 hours) easily added.
Required Documents
Valid South African passport (6+ months validity, 1+ blank page)
Recent digital passport photo
Confirmed return or onward flight from Togo
Hotel booking in Lomé or destination in Togo
Recommended (Optional)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate needed for your return to South Africa. South Africa is not a yellow fever endemic country. South African passport holders do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Togo when travelling directly from South Africa. If you transit through an endemic country (e.g., Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours before arriving in Togo, a certificate may be advisable. Separately from entry to the destination: South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from anyone arriving — including returning South Africans — who has been in, or transited through, a yellow fever risk country. Togo is on that list. Without a certificate you can be refused entry or quarantined for up to six days at a South African port of entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you fly home; the certificate is valid for 10 years. Source: South African Tourism, checked 2026-07-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Togo?
Yes — South Africans need a Togo e-visa (USD 50, ~ZAR 815) applied online at evisa.gouv.tg. No yellow fever certificate needed (SA not endemic). 48–72 hour processing. 7-day initial stay (extendable to 30 in Lomé). Fly via Addis Ababa.