GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before Your Arrival
We kindly ask you to send us your flight itinerary (airline and schedules) as soon as possible so that we can organize and ensure your welcome at the airport. We recommend applying for your visa for Togo at least two weeks before your flight. We suggest arriving in Togo one (1) or two (2) days before the start of the project to ensure that the gathering of volunteers at the ACET-TOGO headquarters does not impact the smooth running of the project.
Airport Reception
Regardless of your arrival time, a team of volunteers from the association will be at the airport to welcome you under very good conditions. You will recognize them by their "ACET-TOGO" sign. In case of difficulty spotting them or to notify any last-minute changes to your flight plan, you can use the following contacts:
FREUD PANA: +228 91 54 96 25
BENE AGBEKO (WhatsApp): +228 92 54 74 99
Food
Food will be provided by ACET-TOGO, allowing you to discover local varieties. As for water, you will always have mineral water in pouches or bottles.
Travel
During weekends, you can explore the richness of our beautiful country. You will be accompanied by local volunteers for security reasons. You will get to know Togolese culture as locals are very familiar with their region. Thus, we encourage fair tourism. In this case, it is the international volunteer's responsibility to take care of the local volunteer accompanying them.
Financial Means
The Togolese government does not provide subsidies to associations. Therefore, there are very few financial resources available for projects. The association operates thanks to its members' contributions and volunteers' participation fees in projects. The association relies on intellectual, technical skills, willingness, efforts, and commitment for its work.
All these participation fees constitute the association's budget. Thus, the volunteer's participation fees are used for prospecting, administrative procedures, project execution, equipment purchase, accommodation, volunteer accommodation during the stay, and project follow-ups.
Participation Fees
Participation fees are mandatory for any volunteer wishing to participate in ACET-TOGO's projects, internships, and international work camps.
The participation fee for internships or volunteering stages is 99 €/week.
This amount covers accommodation expenses, transportation to the mission site, and meals from the first to the last day (conventional internships or humanitarian missions).
Health
It is also strongly recommended to make an appointment with a doctor or vaccination center several days or even weeks before departure to discuss the medications to take and precautions to be taken (before, during, and after your stay).
Visa
It is mandatory to obtain a visa before taking your flight, as obtaining your visa is no longer possible at the border. Here is the link to register and obtain your visa online:
Malaria
Preventive treatment should be prescribed to you. It is also advisable to have mosquito repellent sprays (specific to tropical areas), wear long sleeves and long pants at dusk, and bring a mosquito net.
Security
Normally, you will not have to spend a lot of money on site:
Volunteering stages (the main expenses being covered by participation fees).
Internships (accommodation and meals will be provided by the association, but transportation expenses to the work sites, outings, and small purchases will be at your expense).
Upon arrival, we will suggest keeping your money in a safe place to minimize the risk of loss or theft. We will also advise you to make a photocopy of your passport (with the visa page) which you can use while traveling in Togo and entrust us with your passport.
Vaccine
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Togolese territory. It is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against tetanus, meningitis, typhoid fever, and hepatitis. Vaccination card check is mandatory at Lomé airport. So, do not forget to take it with you. Prepare a basic first aid kit for minor injuries and daily ailments.
Equipment
Do not forget to bring a sleeping bag or even a small ground mat for more comfort. Also, do not forget some warm and comfortable clothes. In case of rain, harmattan, monsoon, nights can be cool. Also, bring rain gear. Bring a flashlight (headlamps are very practical for nocturnal activities). Laundry is done by hand!