Togo customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Togo's customs officers are known for rigorous baggage checks at Lomé-Grassingbe Eyadema Airport. The biggest risk is failing to declare cash over 1,000,000 XOF — the declaration form is paper-only and must be filled before the red/green channel. Commercial-looking goods or quantities can trigger immediate seizure and a fine.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is 20% CIF + 18% VAT.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$1,650
1,000,000 XOF (≈1,650 USD) or more must be declared on the 'Déclaration de Devises' form available at customs. Failure to declare risks seizure and a fine of up to 50% of the amount.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods up to 500,000 XOF (≈800 USD) duty-free. Above that, duty is 20% CIF + 18% VAT on the excess. Commercial quantities are strictly prohibited without an import license.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Pornographic materials
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (without a permit)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require prior authorization from Togolese Ministry of Health)
  • Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Ministry of Security)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior approval from the Togolese telecommunications regulator)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)
  • Commercial goods in excess of personal use (require an import license)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, you enter the customs hall. If you have nothing to declare and are within allowances, take the green channel. If you have goods to declare, cash over 1,000,000 XOF, or any restricted items, take the red channel and fill out a customs declaration form (available at the counter). Officers may still randomly stop green-channel passengers.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription in your name. Narcotics, psychotropics, and any medicine containing codeine or tramadol are strictly banned without prior authorization from the Togolese Ministry of Health. Bring original packaging and a doctor's letter in French or English.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and a fine.

Rules worth knowing

No duty-free shops on arrival

Togo has no duty-free shops at the arrival area of Lomé Airport. Any duty-free purchases must be made at your departure airport and must comply with the 500,000 XOF personal goods allowance.

Strict enforcement on commercial goods

Customs officers are vigilant against goods that appear to be for resale. Even multiple units of the same item (e.g., 10 pairs of shoes) can be treated as commercial and confiscated without an import license.

Frequently asked questions

Only if you have goods to declare, cash over 1,000,000 XOF, or restricted items. The form is available at the red channel counter. If you use the green channel, no form is required, but you may still be searched.
Yes, but only with prior approval from the Togolese telecommunications regulator (ARCEP). Without a permit, the drone will be confiscated at customs. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
The cash can be seized and you may be fined up to 50% of the amount. In serious cases, you could face criminal charges for money laundering.
Yes. Any plant-based medicine or herb must be declared and may require a phytosanitary certificate. Some herbs are classified as controlled substances. Always carry a prescription or doctor's note.
Satellite phones are restricted and require prior authorization from ARCEP. Without a permit, they will be confiscated. Apply at least 3 weeks in advance.
No, Togo does not offer a VAT refund for tourists. All purchases are final.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Togo. You must obtain prior authorization from the Togolese Ministry of Health. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal action.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes Togolaises

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes Togolaises before travelling.