Destinations / Togo
Driving in Togo as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Togo drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence, and motorbike taxis dominate Lomé's streets.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Togo expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Togo drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence, and motorbike taxis dominate Lomé's streets.
Which translation format is used for Togo?
Togo uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Togo ask for a translation?
Lomé desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Togo?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.