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How to Cross the Ghana Togo Border: Entering Togo by Land

With Togo only a little over three hours from Accra’s main city center, it is definitely a country worth adding to your itinerary while in Ghana. Flights to Togo from Ghana can be as expensive as $500 for a roundtrip flight. Thankfully, the Togo-Ghana border in Aflao allows you to avoid the pricey flight fare from Accra to Togo by entering Togo by land. 

Traveling to Togo from Ghana by land was my first time crossing a land border. I found the experience to be less stressful than flying and look forward to more land crossings with some of the other neighboring West African countries. 

In this post, I’ll cover how to travel to Togo from Ghana by land using the bus or a private car service/taxi. 

Purchasing Your Bus Ticket 

Once you decide what date you’ll want to travel to Togo, the next step will be to figure out if buses are leaving for Togo on that date. Ghana has STC buses, which are like Greyhound buses that travel to other regions within Ghana and a few of Ghana’s neighboring countries. You can see what buses are leaving for Togo using the STC website by visiting the STC station(s) or calling the station to see if there will be buses leaving. 

I find that sometimes the STC website does not have the most up-to-date routes listed for international travel destinations, so in that case, I would call the station or visit the main station in Accra for additional information. If you need assistance with taking a bus to cross into Togo, please comment below the best way for me to contact you, and I will send you the name of the tour guide who can help you cross the Ghana-Togo border. 

How to Take A Bus From Accra to Togo 

You can take an Uber/Bolt to the STC Tudu Station. As I mentioned, there are multiple STC stations, so it’s important to make sure you are being taken to the right one to avoid missing your bus. The buses to Togo usually leave from the STC Tudu Station. 

Once you arrive at the STC Tudu Station in Accra, there will be many vans marked with the STC logo. You’ll ask conductors standing around for the van going to Togo and enter the “que” to secure a seat on the van and pay. You can usually tell who is a conductor or not based on their demeanor and how they are running around the station doing things like strapping bags to the back of the bus and collecting money from people in queues.

The STC Tudu bus station in Accra.
The STC Tudu bus station is essentially a large parking lot filled with vans and taxi drivers going to different locations within and beyond Ghana.

With the way the organization of the Tudu station is set up, I recommend showing up at least an hour and a half early before the departure time. The station looks like a basic plot of land with vans everywhere. There are no signs anywhere to direct you on where to go, stand, etc. The vans to Togo typically leave at 3 am to travel to Aflao. Back in January 2022, a one-way ticket for one person was 40 GHS ($8). I paid in cash to the van conductor, received change, and a physical ticket. Due to the drastic inflation that has occurred in Ghana this year, I’m certain the prices have gone up. 

The bus was more of a minivan with about 11 seats. The conditions of the van were better than I expected them to be. I was expecting a tro-tro style of commute, but to my surprise, the vans were air-conditioned with spacious seating. I sat in the back with one extra person than there should have been, so it was a bit cramped, but nothing too unbearable for a 3.5-hour ride at 3 am. 

Many Ghanaians travel to Togo daily for work or to conduct business using these vans, then come back at the end of the day. Along the way, the driver briefly stops to let them on and off. 

When I visited Togo as a U.S. citizen, I was able to get a Togo visa issued upon arrival. However, the process has changed, and you now apply for an e-visa to Togo before your trip and show your visa, which will be sent to your email once you arrive at the border. 

Togo is a French-speaking country, but there will also be Ghanaian immigration officers at the border. The Togolese officers spoke some English, but as I always say, the worst-case scenario is you have to use Google Translate. 

Using a Private Car/Taxi from Accra to Togo 

Using a private car or a taxi to travel from Accra to Togo is the easiest option. One way to find a driver willing to drive 3.5 hours is by simply asking around Accra to see if anyone knows anyone. Everyone knows a driver in Accra! An alternative method is using the Bolt or Uber app and negotiating rates with the driver to see if they will take you. 

A driver in a gray hoodie driving a taxi car.
The best way to find a driver in Accra is through referral/ word of mouth.

These apps usually lowball drivers significantly, so don’t be surprised if you are quoted an amount that is way higher than what was shown when you requested the ride. Also, most drivers from Bolt and Uber will try to negotiate a rate that makes sense for them driving to and from the border, as they may not get a rider back from Aflao. 

The great thing about using a car to travel to the Togo border is that it is a straight trip with no stops. You can decide when you want to leave Accra (no waking up at 1 am to make the 3 am bus at the Tudu station!). 

What to Expect at the Togo-Ghana Border

Upon arrival at the border, you are likely to get swarmed by several people who want to carry your bags for a fee, sell you different things like shoes and bags, and that are exchanging money. It can be overwhelming, but stay organized (know where your passport is, bags, etc.) and you will be fine. Togo was the first land border I’ve ever crossed. I was told that it was more overwhelming than the other West African borders, but I didn’t find it to be unbearable. There weren’t any other travelers at the time I arrived so I got through the post in about 30 minutes. 

People surrounding the entrance of the Ghana Togo border.
Crossing the Ghana Togo border is cheaper than traveling from Ghana to Togo using an airplane.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the Ghana Togo border open? 

Yes, the Ghana-Togo border is open for travel between the two countries. The border was closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, but the President of Ghana announced the re-opening of sea and land borders in March 2022. Travelers have to make sure they have the proper documentation, such as a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination card, etc., as outlined by the Togolese government

Do I need a visa to travel from Ghana to Togo? 

Whether or not you need a visa to travel from Ghana to Togo depends on your nationality. Citizens who are part of ECOWAS do not need a visa to travel to Togo and are listed here. Ghanaian nationals can stay in Togo visa-free for a duration of 7 days. The type of visas eligible to apply for, pricing, and required materials can be found here

How long does it take to cross the Ghana Togo border? 

The length of time it takes to get through the Ghana Togo border will depend on the que and if there are any other travelers at the border. It can take as little as 30 minutes and as much as 2 hours. It took me about 40 minutes. There is paperwork you have to fill out as well.

Do they speak English in Togo? 

You may struggle to find people that speak English in Togo, as French is the official language, but there are definitely people that speak English in Togo. Most signs are in French as well, with the exception of some menus and storefront signs. Be prepared to practice your French! 

How long does it take to get a Togo visa? 

Now that Togo has adopted an e-visa system, you can expect to receive your visa right after submitting your application or within a few days. E-visa systems are processed very quickly. 

Looking for things to do in Togo once you’ve crossed the border? Check out this post on things to do in Lomè

18 Responses

  1. Thank you for the information
    I will be traveling to Togo. Please render some help to me in terms of who to call

    1. Hello Balatrice, were you able to visit Togo? Im thinking about going from Ghana while I visit Ghana. Any advice? Also Jane great article.

  2. Thank you for this detailed piece of information.

    Do you know what time is the border open?
    And what price should I pay for the taxi from Accra to the border?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Izabela,

      You are very welcome!

      I am not sure what time the border opens or if it even closes, but as far as price I remember us paying 400 cedis I believe, but this was over a year ago now and the rates in Ghana fluctuate often. The best way to figure out a fair price to pay is by using Uber/Bolt apps to see what the average rate being charged is, then add maybe 100-150 cedis on top since those rates are usually drastically lower.

      Hope this helps!

  3. Enjoyed reading about entering Togo from Ghana. Do you have a guide or driver your recommend in Togo? Did you happen to visit Togoville or places in the east? I’m also going to Benin. Amny resources there? Thanks

    1. Hi Keith,

      I do have a tour guide I used for Togoville and Togo some days who could take you around. His name is Dombra and he is from Togoville so I did a tour there with him that was great. WhatsApp is +228 79 76 17 52 if his number has not changed.

      I will give the disclaimer that he did ask me for money weeks after my tour and has done the same to another woman I recommended him for. He was GREAT for the Togo tours so I would book, as it was a great experience and I used him again for touring one day solo around Togo, but I just want to be honest.

      For Benin, I do know a tour guide based in Benin named Ola! You can learn more about his services and reach out on Instagram: @ola.angel

      Wishing you a great trip!

  4. What are the necessary documents I need before I can drive from Ghana to Togo and benin using my personal car and some tourist clients

    1. Hi Nana,

      I did not drive using a personal car so I would not be able to ask this question. I believe the same entry requirements depending on the nationalities of yourself and your clients, a driver’s license. I saw many people cross using personal cars that were searched but that’s all of the insight I have!

  5. The Togo e-visa is primarily for those arriving by air as you can only select the Togo international airport. Can you get a visa on arrival at the Aflao border with Ghana and Togo? I am from NZ.

    1. Thank you for sharing that! I received my Togo visa at the Aflao border! I would look up what the requirements are for you being from NZ and be prepared with funds to pay. They had me fill out a form and pay a fee, then put the visa inside my passport! Hope that helps! I was also coming from Ghana.

  6. Thanks for that. Was your visa 7 days or 15? Also was there a choice to apply for a multiple entry visa as I will go to Benin and back to Togo to fly out. As for money – only CFAs or could you use US $s or Cedi? Can you change money before you get the visa? Sorry about all the questions!

    1. Hi Anslie! I am more than happy to answer, no worries!

      From what I remember, it was good for 7 days, but I remember being shocked at how long it was good for so maybe it was 2 weeks! I just sent my passport in for renewal so I can confirm once it comes back in a few weeks if I remember!

      It was $37 for a visa on arrival as an American and I had CFA because I exchanged money before getting my visa. There are people who can exchange money for you before you go, but I would go to an official FOREX office and get CFAs before you go, as I’m not sure if they accept cedis or USD.

      I think the single vs multiple entry question does come up as you are talking to the officer so I would mention it then!

  7. That’s brilliant! I chatted with the Togo High Commission in London & they said same fees as through them if getting an e-visa – single 1 – 15 days CFA25,000, multiple 1 – 15 days CFA35,000. Probably relates to your departure date. Thanks for the tip on going to a Forex office before leaving Accra. I don’t think I’d trust black markets exchangers at the border – I’ve heard there are a few guys hassling.
    I’ve tried to get answers to this from the tour company I’m going through and they have gone to the local guys but apparently the internet is poor in Ghana at the moment so I’ve been waiting. I leave NZ soon. Thank you for all your help!

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Christina Jane Travel Writer

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I’m Christina, a travel blogger and content creator from Fort Myers, Florida.

Being Christina Jane is my way of inviting you to join me on my travel ventures by sharing the knowledge gained from my adventures and experiences— both good and bad.

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