Destinations / Togo
Driving in Togo as a visitor
Usually yes. Togo expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Togo expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police), 118 (fire) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h on the N1 highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in XOF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Watch for motorbike taxis (zémidjans). |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Togo
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at stations in Lomé and along the RN1, but roadside black-market fuel in bottles is common upcountry and best avoided; carry CFA-franc cash as card payment is rare.
After a crash
Stop and stay at the scene; call the police on 117 (fire 118, ambulance 8200), and do not move vehicles if anyone is injured, as a police report is needed for any insurance claim.
Sources: rhinocarhire.com · internationaltravelpermits.com · edriv.ing
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Togo?
Usually yes. Togo expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Togo accept?
Togo recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Togo ask for one?
Lomé desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.