We love visitors! The more the better! We know that it's for many this is their first international journey. So, we put together some information to help you with your travel arrangements.
Go get your passports, visas, shots, tickets, visas and pack your bags for a Togo adventure! If you any questions that aren't answered here, just contact us, we're ready to help!
Here's a quick list of the travel information we've provided:
The following immunizations are recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) for travelers entering Togo and Ghana. Contact the CDC at (888)232-3228 or on the internet: http://www.cdc.gov
1. Malaria
2. Yellow Fever
3. Hepatitis A & B
4. Meningitis
5. Typhoid
6. Cholera
7. Tetanus
Malaria: There is no vaccination which totally prevents malaria, but we strongly recommend that you take a prophylaxis, or preventative medicine (pill or capsule, not a shot), starting 2 weeks before you come to West Africa and throughout your entire stay. For short-term visitors to Togo, the best prophylaxis is Larium (Mephlaquin). It is more expensive than some of the others, but seems to be the most effective. Be sure to check on side effects before purchasing as it is known to react with other drugs. If you start on a treatment, only get enough to cover you through your first week in Togo because malaria drugs are usually much cheaper here.
Yellow Fever: Although the CDC recommends several vaccinations for travelers in West Africa, the Yellow Fever vaccine is the only one required for entering Togo. You will be turned back at the airport if you do not have proof that you have received a yellow fever vaccination.
Hepatitis A & B: Both Hep. A & B require 3 shots over a 6 month period, so you will need to get started on them right away if you are planning to get them.
Meningitis: The meningitis vaccination is recommended only for people who will be working extensively in the northern third of Togo. This is not our area.
Typhoid: Since we left the states, a new typhoid medication has been released, Vivotyph. It is a series of 3 pills and it is close to 100% effective in preventing typhoid. If your doctor does not know of this medicine, you can call 1-800-533-5899 for information. There has been typhoid in our region.
Cholera: Cholera is a series of 2 shots which is about 50% effective in preventing cholera. We did not get cholera shots before coming to Togo because of their low effectiveness and the low incidence of Cholera in our area of Togo.
Tetanus: If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, it is highly recommended that you get one before coming to West Africa.
It is usually cheaper to get these shots at a public health clinic if possible. When you get your first shot, you should be given a yellow health card (International Certificate of Vaccination). Be sure to take this with you each time you get shots and be sure each immunization is accurately recorded. You will be required to show this health card in order to enter West Africa.
If you are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant, you will need to ask which vaccines you should get and how long to wait between being vaccinated and becoming pregnant. There are malaria medicines available here that can be taken while someone is pregnant.
It is also recommended that you make sure all your childhood boosters are up-to-date. Check to be sure if you need a polio booster or MMR.
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If you do not already have a passport, you will need to order one immediately so that you will have time to get the required visas before traveling. You can usually order passports from the main branch of your local post office. When you get your passport pictures taken, have about a dozen extra copies made as you will need photos in order to get visas.
Sign your passport. Remember to take your passport with you and keep it on your person at all times. In a separate place, keep a record of the numbers of your passport, travelers' checks, and credit cards.
For security reasons, the name appearing you your ticket must match the name appearing on your passport, driver's license or other photo ID used for airport check-in.
Togo Visas
We recommend that you download this information in pdf format to keep with you as you travel.
Click here to download the Togo/Ghana Visa Contact Information
Togo started requiring a tourist visa for American visitors in 1997. We believe they currently cost $100 and are good for multiple entries and exits for one year. (Note: there is a possible way to get visas upon arrival in Togo. It may even be cheaper, but we have not tried the process and feel more certain about getting it through the embassy in Washington.)
We highly recommend that you use Tonya Ortiz to help obtain your visas!
Tonya Ortiz
Home-office: 703-486-3986
Cell phone:703-582-8343
Mail:
4844 Seventh Street South
Arlington, VA 22204
Rush Packages to:
ATTENTION Tonya Ortiz
Federal Express
1019 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
She will expedite the visa process for you for a $25 fee plus S&H. In order to obtain a visa, you will need a visa application, your passport, passport pictures, International health card with proof of yellow Fever Vaccination, and a letter of attestation stating that you are planning to leave Togo after your visit. She can also help get the Ghana visa if you want her to.
We suggest that you start trying to get visas AT LEAST TWO MONTHS BEFORE ARRIVING.
If you would like to contact the embassies directly here is the Togo and Ghana's Embassy contact information:
Togo Embassy:
Embassy of the Republic of Togo
2208 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Telephone (202)234-4212
Information you will need to answer questions on your Togo Visa Application:
Names & Address of two references
Murphy Crowson
La Maison de Mission Baptist
B.P. 02, Tabligbo, Togo
228-910-2332 |
Marty Koonce
La maison de M. Felix
B.P. 02, Tabligbo, Togo
228-335-2135 |
Traveling by - Air, Sea, Land?
If you are arriving directly into the airport in Lome, Togo put "Air". The port of entry would be "Lome".
If you are arriving via the airport in Accra, Ghana put "Land". The port of entry would be "Aflao/Lome".
Is applicant in possession of return ticket?
Put "Yes". Even if you arrive via Ghana you will have a return ticket.
Date of last visit?
If you have never been to Togo before put "This is my first trip." Otherwise, just put the month and year of your last visit.
For updated information about Togo, visit the State Department’s home page: http://travel.state.gov/togo.html
Ghana Visas
We recommend that you download this information in pdf format to keep with you as you travel.
Click here to download the Togo/Ghana Visa Contact Information
Ghana: You probably will want to get a visa to Ghana because the team makes occasional trips there and you may fly through Accra (the boarder is only an hour from Tabligbo and Accra, Ghana's capital is only 5 hours away. Ghana visas are easily obtained. Please go to the Passports and Visas page on their web site: http://www.ghana-embassy.org
Again, we advise you to use Tonya Ortiz to get your Ghana Visa.
Information you will need to answer questions on your Ghana Visa Application:
Names & Address of two references
Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah
Nsawam Road CoC
P.O. Box 6017
Accra North - Ghana
233-21-221-237 |
Christian Nsoah
P.O. Box 1015 C5AVI
Tema Ghana
233-22-206-567 |
When you arrive at the airport and need to fill out the immigration form this is your address in Ghana:
Ghana Baptism Mission
34 Tito Avenue
Cantoments, Accra
021-777542
Traveling by - Air, Sea, Land?
If you are arriving directly into the airport in Accra, Ghana put "Air". The port of entry would be "Accra".
If you are arriving via another airport in West Africa put "Land".
Is applicant in possession of return ticket?
Put "Yes". Even if you arrive via another country, you will still have a return ticket.
Date of last visit?
If you have never been to Ghana before put "This is my first trip." Otherwise, just put the month and year of your last visit.
Amount of money applicant is traveling with:
Put “$500 US”
Do we get the multiple entries Ghana Visa since we will be leaving to Togo and then coming back into Ghana?
YES, you must have a multiple entry visa. You will enter Ghana when you arrive, exit Ghana when you come to Togo and then reenter Ghana when you return to Accra to return to the States.
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It is necessary to have an international driver's license to drive in Togo. To obtain these, contact your local AAA. You can also go on-line to find issuers, but beware of phonies. Only those issued by AAA have been shown to be authentic. They should be able to direct you to the nearest AAA that issues these. They should be about $20 for one year. Request that the date of your license start on the date of your arrival in Togo.
Credit Cards: Master Card is not accepted and Visa is probably the most accepted card. Many now use debit cards because you can get cash from automatic teller machines (ATM's) in large cities. This can be a way of getting salary and other money from your bank account each month.
Checks: You can cash your own personal checks in Lome. There is a company approved by the US embassy that allows you to write checks and receive cash.
Cash: It's a good idea to bring around $100 USD with you on the plane for emergencies. USDs are easier to change into local currency than traveler's checks.
You may already have insurance coverage. If not, there are many plans available for international travelers and missionaries.
For longterm visitors, teachers, and apprentices we suggest IMG. If you need more details contact our team.
International Medical Group., Inc.
2960 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208-4715, USA
Telephone: 1.317.655.4500 or 1.800.628.4664
Fax: 1.317.655.4505
Email: insurance@imglobal.com
Website: www.imglobal.com
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Keep prescription medicines in their original containers. Obtain an extra prescription from your physician to take with you - for any prescription drugs you are using and for prescription glasses.
There are dozens of travels agents to choose from that are reliable and can give you good prices. Here are a few suggestions if you don't already have a travel agent.
MTS Travel
Heather Colabove
124 E. Main St.
4th Floor
Ephrata, Pa. 17522
Phone: (800) 874 9330 x 81305 or (
717) 721 7305
Fax: (717) 733 1009
Hours: 8am to 5pm Easter
E-mail: heatherc@mtstravel.com
www.mtstravel.com
Raptim International Travel
145 North Fourth Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
Phone: (800) 777-9232 or (716) 754-9232
Fax: (800) 766-2881
www.raptimusa.com
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International passengers must reconfirm their continuing or return reservations at each boarding city. Reconfirmation should be done no later than 72 hours prior to flight departure time if your stopover exceeds 72 hours. When reconfirming, check flight number, date, and departure time of flight.
In most cases, check in at least two (2) hours prior to domestic flight departure time or three (3) hours prior to an international flight departure time.
In North America, electrical items are made to run at 110 Volts. Most of the world runs on 220 Volts.
Many small electronics and laptops can run on either voltage. However many items will need to be run on a transformer that steps the 220 volt current down to 110 volts. Hairdryers use 1500 watts (a high wattage).
It is suggested to bring hair dryers and curling irons that are able to run on 110 or 220 volts (they are available at most stores).
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While airport x-ray machines will do no damage to film under normal conditions, it is best to take your film in your carry-on baggage. If the quality of your photos is a real concern, when going through the x-ray, you will want to give your film to the gate attendant for hand inspection. A few passes through the x-ray equipment have been known to "cloud" the exposures.
In most cases you will be able to check your bags from your place of departure to your first stopover. Check to make sure the ticket agent sends your bags where you want them to go. You can ask your travel agent for the three-letter airport code for your destination, and make sure the airline luggage tags have that same code.
The following are the basic free baggage regulations for most international airlines:
USA directly to/from most other countries
- Two (2) peices of checked baggage with combined dimensions (sum of length + width + height of each piece measured separately) not to exceed 106 inches and neither piece to exceed 62 inches, each piece not to exceed 50 pounds.
- One carry-on bag is allowed, generally not to exceed 45 inches. However, a few airlines restrict this to 39 inches. Maximum weight for carry-on bags is generally 10 pounds. However some airlines have exceptions to this rule.
- In addition to the one carry-on bag, each passenger may take one small personal item, such as: a handbag, briefcase, laptop computer (in a reasonably sized case), binoculars, small camera, umbrella, overcoat (wrap or blanket) and reading material.
- Infants paying 10% of the adult fare for international travel are allowed the following as carry-on baggage: Infant's carrying basket, one collapsible stroller, and food for consumption during flight.
Between most points outside the USA and from some countries to the USA
- Total weight 44 pounds (20 kgs).
- Always verify the free allowance and carry-on size and wieght with you travel agent or the airline.
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Appropriate dress and etiquette: A part of the experience of traveling or moving overseas is the cultural adjustment that occurs. Visitors will experience this in the African culture and possibly even in the sub-culture norms of team life. Some things are as easy as learning to eat with your hands among the Africans. Some things are more complex. Here are some handy rules of thumb.
Dress
Women should wear skirts, dresses, or long skorts in public. At home, the woman can wear shorts, but is expected to wear long shorts if receiving men at the house. It is actually preferable to wear a wrap over shorts when receiving men at the home. There are times when shorts are appropriate in public—beaches, pools, exercise in town, etc. However, shorts considered modest (approaching knee length) are best. When around teammates, the expectation is for modest apparel. If the teacher is going to another person’s house and will be seen getting in or out of cars, even for just a short time, a wrap should be worn. Pants, although growing in popularity, are still not considered modest apparel for women in Togo and should be reserved for team functions and other appropriate occasions. Although tank-tops and sleeveless shirts are fine in practically all settings, it is preferred that these be modest and not too tight or low-cut.
Men have it much easier. Modest shorts are appropriate in the home, at team functions, and in most settings. Most church functions and village evangelism works are best attended in pants. T-shirts, polos, and button shirts are all appropriate.
As a representative of Christ, visitors should be above reproach. Visitors should be careful not to participate in activities or local customs that will cause his/her reputation or that of the other missionaries and/or churches to be compromised. A good rule of thumb is “if you don’t know if something might be perceived as improper, avoid it and avoid doubt.”
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The following articles and books are some that we have found helpful in preparing to come.
Communicating Christ in Animistic Contexts by Gailyn Van Rheenen, Baker Book House.
“Christian Witness to the People of African Traditional Religions,” No. 18 Thailand Report, Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism, 1980.
“Challenges to Abou’s Jesus,” by Loren Entz, Evangelical Missions Quarterly, January 1986, 46-50.
“African Religion Lives,” by Richard Gehman, Evangelical Missions Quarterly, October 1991, 350-353.
“World-view and Contextualization,” by David J. Hesselgrave, Perspectives in Missions.
“The Role of Culture in Communication,” by David J. Hesselgrave, Perspectives in Missions.
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Here are some suggestions if you need to raise funds for your trip:
Enter the fund-raising process in the spirit of prayer. Pray that God will reveal himself to you through the fund-raising process.
Write to both churches and individuals, family and friends, Christians and non-Christians. Sometimes God sends funds through unexpected sources.
Address letters to a specific individual. If you use a form letter, either change the name in the heading or write a personal note with each letter.
Describe what your work/ministry/experience will be and how this will benefit the Kingdom.
Describe your need (how much you need, how much has already been received). Suggest specific ways people can help.
Give reasons the recipient should consider helping you.
Mention in your letter that you will be either sending a follow-up letter or calling.
You may want to get a letter of recommendation from our team or possibly your home congregation to include with your fund-raising letter.
Also list our team web site as an resource of more information.
Respond promptly to any inquiries. Send thank you notes as soon as money comes in. Be prepared to send letters to each of your supporters from Africa and shortly after your return from Africa.
Be prepared to be surprised. Be prepared to grow. Be prepared to see God doing some unexpected things!
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