Despite the diminutive size of Togo, its geography still boasts of sandy beaches, plains, savannah’s, lagoons and thick forests. Just on the Gulf of Benin, Togo is eager to welcome tourists and expats from around the world with hotels and guest accommodations. If you’re looking to be up close and personal with the African wildlife, exotic cuisine, and various plantations, this is where you’re supposed to be headed. Here’s some info about Togo we’ve compiled for you.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Young Women’s Christian Assocition of Togo
They hold leadership, vocation and school trainings. YWCA of Togo aims to promote awareness of women’s right.
Address: B.P. 13066, Lome, Togo
Phone: 228 26 50 98
Fax: 228 26 50 98
International Schools
American International School of Lome
The American International School of Lomé was created in 1967 to meet the needs of Americans residing in Togo. Over the years the student population has changed and has become more international. However, the school continues to provide an American-style education which will enable children to integrate easily, both academically and socially, into another challenging American school, or into another international school with similar requirements. Graduating students are prepared for American colleges and universities.
Curriculum: American
Address: 10 mn from US Embassy, near Kegue Stadium, Lomé – Togo
Tel: +228 22 61 18 96
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aislome.org
British School of Lome
The British School of Lomé is now in its 31st year providing an outstanding educational program for the international community in Lomé as well as providing boarding services to students across West Africa. BSL has earned the reputation of being among the most outstanding international schools in West Africa by combining the best of British education with the International Baccalaureate program.
Curriculum: British, International Baccalaureate
Address: Résidence du Bénin, BP 20050, Lome, Togo
Tel: +228 22 26 46 06
Fax: +228 22 26 49 89
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bsl.tg
Local News in English
AllAfrica – Togo
AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. They publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons.
allafrica.com/togo
Country Information
Location: Africa
Capital City: Lomé
Currency: CFA franc
Language: French
Calling Code: +228
Internet TLD: .tg
Electricity: Togo runs on 220V 50Hz.
Electricity is provided by the private company, CEET.
Tel: 22 20 82 20
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ceet.tg
Embassy Information
Use this link to help you find the local embassies in Togo...
www.embassyworld.com
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Citizens of the following countries may enter and stay in Togo visa free: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Malia, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Other nationals will have to obtain a visa through a Togo embassy or consulate in their home or host country. Alternatively, they may obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum of 7 days, but a return ticket is necessary. This visa on arrival can be extended for up to 90 days.
Documents Required
- Two completed visa application forms
- Two passport size color photos, 1 per application form
- Valid passport
- Visa fee of $140
From the Embassy of Togo site here.
Accommodation
Short-term accommodations like hotels are limited to Lome and Lama-Kara. These are international class establishments. In the main towns, there are cheaper and budget hotels available. In Lome, more hotels are located towards the beach. Normal cost of lodging start around $30 per night. Aside from hotels, expats also have other options to consider, including rental apartments and villas. These units come fully furnished, with cooking and laundry facilities. Cheaper ones start at 85 Euros per week.
Driving License
Expats will need to obtain an international license to drive legally in Togo. Driving in Togo is hazardous as unwary pedestrians and motorcyclists swarm the roads. The conditions are also poor in most areas. The rainy season renders them perilous to traverse. Petty crime such as scams are to be expected especially for foreigners. Driving at night is discouraged due to poor lighting.
Healthcare
Facilities and services in Togo are extremely limited and poor quality. Emergency care is available but inadequate. There is also shortage of medical supplies and medications. Malaria is prevalent in the country; it’s important to acquire precautionary vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccination is required. Insurance that can cover medical evacuation is recommended for expats.
Insurance Companies
Global Rescue
Global Rescue provides medical services to remote places with little to no adequate healthcare facilities. They provide members with immediate services in times especially in emergency situations.
Address: 177 Milk Street, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02109
Tell Free: +1 800 381-9754
Tel: +1 617 459-4200
Fax: +1 617 507-1050
Website: www.globalrescue.com
Hospitals
Clinicque Barruet
Address: Bd Felix Houphouet – Boigny. B.P. 4526, Lome, Togo
Tel: +228 221 21 94. +228 (0)271 56 97
Fax: +228 22196 34
Website (French): cliniquebarruet.com
Hospital Saint Jean de Dieu
Address: Good Asphalt Road City, Afagnan, Lome, Togo
Tel: +228 332 1001
Clinique des Cocotiers
Address: 31, Rue des Cocotiers, B.P. 2077, Lome, Togo
Tel: +228 221 08 74, +228 (0)221 66 61