The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Togo at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Reconsider travel to northern border region adjacent to Burkina Faso due to terrorism. Exercise increased caution in the cities of Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango due to civil unrest.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Lomé does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Please review OSAC’s Togo-specific webpage for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is serious risk from crime in Lomé. Criminals may target foreigners based on perceived affluence or perceived vulnerability. Pickpocketing incidents and theft are common in Togo, especially along the beach and in the market areas of Lomé.

In recent years, violent crime has become increasingly prevalent throughout the country. Incidents have included the use of machetes and knives, firearms, and makeshift weapons, as well as the use of ruses or trickery to lure in a victim. Robbery victims should comply with the demands of perpetrators, as perpetrators may be armed, and resisting may cause the situation to escalate to violence. There have been sophisticated armed robberies, often committed by organized transnational criminal groups. Residential and business burglaries are frequent in Lomé. Crowds sometimes target criminals (real or perceived) for vigilante justice.

There are incidents of carjacking and other violent crimes targeting travelers along roads in Togo, especially outside of major cities. Roadside criminals are more likely to target travelers after dark.

Avoid certain areas within Lomé at night, including public beaches and Boulevard du Mono (i.e., the “beach road”) due to elevated risk of crime. Avoid beach areas with no security apparatus, even during daylight hours; purse-snatchings and muggings regularly occur in these areas. Do not visit the Grand Marché area alone during the day; avoid the area altogether in the evening.

Closely monitor surroundings when using ATMs due to the risk of petty theft during and after ATM use. Only use ATMs during the day, and then only in areas with many people and guards around if possible. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Cybersecurity

Cybercrimes continue to be a concern, particularly so-called “419” scams that involve fake payoff or fake investment schemes. Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens. Formerly associated with Nigeria, these fraud schemes are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Togo, and pose dangers of both financial loss and physical harm. An increasing number of U.S. citizens have been targets of such scams, resulting in losses ranging from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Typically, fraud scams begin with an unsolicited communication, usually by e-mail or social media, from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. Other common e-mail scams involve an individual claiming to be a U.S. citizen “trapped” in Togo and needs financial assistance to return to the U.S. or receive urgent medical care. Scams that are more sophisticated include targeting U.S. businesses and ordering a large amount of their product, contingent on the U.S. business providing banking information or paying legal fees.

Do not send any money; any funds sent are likely unrecoverable. Halt contact with scammers immediately. Do not attempt to recover funds in person. Report the matter immediately to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership among the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BIA). Refer to the fraud warning and additional resources on the Embassy website for more information.

Areas of Concern

Avoid public beaches and Togo’s border areas with Ghana due to crime.

U.S. government personnel may not travel to the border region north and northeast of Dapaong due to terrorist activity in adjacent areas of southeast Burkina Faso; the Embassy strongly discourages travel by private U.S. citizens in this area. 

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving conditions are hazardous throughout Togo. Pedestrians, motorcycles, and livestock are prevalent on roadways. Drivers and motorcyclists frequently disregard traffic laws and drive in an unpredictable and disorderly manner. Local drivers may run red lights or stop signs, drive in the wrong direction on roads and one-way streets, and disregard lanes.

Although road conditions in Lomé are acceptable, roads outside the city are generally in poor condition and often contain deep potholes. There is only one national highway that runs north-south, serving as the country’s main transit artery; this highway is prone to interruption during anti-government demonstrations, which can turn violent, especially when military, or police forces deploy. Avoid driving outside of Lomé after dark; the U.S. Embassy approves such travel for employees in emergencies only.

For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Reports on Driving Overseas: Best Practices and Road Safety in Africa.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public buses provide infrequent and unreliable service. Although the U.S. government does not explicitly prohibit employees from using public transportation, they are strongly encouraged to avoid doing so due to safety and crime concerns. Public transportation systems do not meet Western safety standards and are generally unsafe.

Trains carry freight only.

Use of taxis presents numerous safety concerns. Taxi services are unreliable, vehicles are typically old and not in good condition, and drivers do not observe traffic laws. Theft while riding in taxis is common; thieves steal bags, wallets, and passports. Do not share taxicabs with strangers. When using taxis, negotiate fares before getting in, and insist that the driver not stop for additional passengers, even if rates cost more. Embassy personnel may not use motorcycle taxis, which have significantly higher rates of accident, injury, and mortality.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Airline travel is largely reliable. Security measures screening passengers at the airport are satisfactory, though options are limited. The only international airport in Togo is in Lomé (LFW); a new terminal opened in 2016. An international air carrier now operates a direct flight from Lomé to Newark, New Jersey and recently launched an onward flight to Los Angeles, California.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Togo’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards, and has made recommendations to improve procedural security. The FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have not restricted direct flights to the U.S. from Togo.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Lomé. There are currently no known indigenous terrorist organizations operating in Togo; however, regional terrorist groups including nearby extremist elements in Burkina Faso could exploit Togo’s porous borders and limited security resources.

Multiple terrorist groups are active in West Africa, including regional affiliates of al-Qa’ida and ISIS. Al-Qa’ida-affiliated groups based in Mali have carried out attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Côte d’Ivoire, targeting locations in major cities that foreigners frequent. 

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Lomé. Demonstrations, strikes, marches, and public protests are common throughout the country. In late 2017 and 2018, recurring demonstrations took place in Lomé and major cities, particularly Sokodé, Bafilo and Mango, as anti-government protestors called for political reforms. On multiple occasions, these protests escalated to violence. Participants in demonstrations may burn vehicles and other objects and throw stones indiscriminately. Avoid demonstrations and protest routes, as even peaceful demonstrations may turn confrontational. Security forces have used coercive crowd control techniques, including tear gas. There have been reported beatings of demonstrators, as well as deaths of participants and law enforcement officers. Security forces have moved quickly to disperse crowds and remove improvised barricades, especially in response to unauthorized protests along the national highway.

In Lomé, political opposition typically announces large protests ahead of time, although unannounced activities have occurred. Authorized demonstrations in the capital usually proceed along pre-determined routes, according to set times, and are mainly confined to the city center, as well as the neighborhoods of Bé and Agoè. Demonstrations generally do not affect airport and port operations, but traffic disruptions may occur along or near protest routes, impeding road access.

Post-Specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Floods are common during the rainy season (mid-March through June). Due to lack of infrastructure and drainage capabilities, severe rainstorms quickly inundate roadways and villages, making major routes impassable and affecting transportation within Togo.

Critical Infrastructure

Togo’s economy is developing. The country has made a number of business reforms, improvements to its health care and educational systems, and new investments in infrastructure. However, the country’s infrastructure remains inadequate and often does not meet Western standards. In some parts of the country, electricity, water, and telephone services are not reliable.

The Government of Togo restricted internet and mobile communications services, including WhatsApp and Facebook, on multiple occasions during periods of potential civil unrest in late 2017. These restrictions included an internet blackout involving loss of service across multiple mobile and fixed-line broadband internet service providers for several days. Remain aware of the possibility of unannounced mobile and internet service interruptions, and ensure alternative communication methods in place. The government does not restrict the use of satellite phones.

Economic Concerns

Low-level intellectual property theft by criminals occurs, mostly in the form of piracy of music, movies, and computer software. Counterfeit goods, such as pharmaceuticals and tobacco products, are trafficked into Togo.

Personal Identity Concerns

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Togo, even when consensual and between committed partners. Penalties include fines and up to three years in prison. For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in Togo, review U.S. Department of State Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

Drug-related Crimes

In general, drug-related violent crimes are uncommon in Togo. However, criminals traffic narcotics into Togo. Traffickers use Lomé’s international airport as a hub, bringing drugs for transport to other parts of Africa and onward to Europe.

Piracy and Maritime Security

In January 2019, pirates attacked a container ship after it departed Lomé approximately 20nm south of Cotonou, Benin. Pirates kidnapped six crewmembers hostage for ransom. In addition, there have been reports of pirate activity in Ghanaian and Beninese waters. Contraband smuggling through Togo’s sea and airports remains a concern.

Kidnapping Threat

Exercise general caution against kidnappings in Togo, especially north of Dapaong, due to extremist activity in neighboring areas of Burkina Faso. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

Togolese security forces lack counterterrorism training and have limited capabilities to detect or intercept terrorists entering the country or their activities.

Togo’s legal systems are vastly different from our own. Authorities may expel, arrest, or imprison persons violating Togo’s laws, even unknowingly.

Behavior that may be legal in Togo could expose U.S. citizens to possible prosecution in the United States.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Remain respectful and avoid confrontation when interacting with the police. The Consular Section’s American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit can provide standard consular services for U.S. citizens, including services for those arrested and detained.

If police detain, arrest, and/or imprison you, inform the authorities that you are a U.S. citizen and tell them to contact the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy will provide you with a list of local-area attorneys, but cannot assist in negotiating a settlement or a reduction in any possible fines or criminal penalties. If there is a trial, the Embassy will monitor proceedings to ensure you receive a similar standard of judicial care to citizens of Togo. For emergency consular assistance, U.S. citizens may reach the U.S. Embassy at + (228) 22-61-54-70

Crime Victim Assistance

The local emergency line is 117.

Police - 117

Gendarmerie - 172

Fire Brigade – 118

Kpalime Police: 2441 0053 Gendarmerie: 2441 0108 or 2441 0104

Kara Police: 2660 6052 Gendarmerie: 2660 6281 or 2660 6161

Atakpame Police: 2440 0101 or 2440 0123 Gendarmerie: 2440 0388 or 2440 0475

Sokode Police: 2550 0043 Gendarmerie: 2550 0090

Dapaong Police: 2770 8031 or 2770 0032 Gendarmerie: 2770 8413

Police/Security Agencies

Policing in Togo is similar to the French system. There is a national gendarmerie, which is part of the armed forces under the Defense Ministry, and a national police force under the authority of the Minister of Interior Security and Civil Protection. The police are responsible for policing neighborhoods of the capital. All units play a role and share loosely defined responsibilities for internal security of the country. Police and gendarmes often work together. Military personnel sometimes work with police and gendarmes on security matters.

Vetting of prospective employees with a criminal check requires a visit to the local police station responsible for the employee’s current or most recent residence.

There are several contract security companies in Lomé. Most companies offer 24-hour response capability, alarm systems, static guards, and mobile patrols. All private security guards are unarmed. Some companies will bring police as part of their response protocol. Training, experience, and organizational levels vary widely among security companies and guard contracts.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care does not meet Western standards, including in major cities. Medical facilities are limited and of poor quality. Resources are often inadequate, including medical equipment and drug supplies. Pharmaceuticals may be of reduced quality or counterfeit. Ensure you have sufficient supplies of medications when traveling, including over-the-counter medications. Only purchase medicines from reputable pharmacies. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, Traveling with Medications.

Emergency medical care, in particular, is inadequate. Emergency medical services, such as fire and ambulance response, are extremely limited in response time, resources, and capacity.

Emergency transport is often by taxis and motorcycles; payment is sometimes necessary before transport can occur.

Credit cards are not an acceptable form of payment for medical services in Togo. Medical care and medicine typically require advance payment in cash. Patients may encounter shortages of routine medications and supplies. Counterfeit medications are a frequent problem.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Generali Global Assistance Inc. (formerly Europ Assistance USA, Inc) or ISOS will provide access to several independent companies in the area that have been previously vetted. Generali Global Assistance, Inc. and ISOS will consider alternate movement via commercial air with a medical flight team on board with the patient. Their medical team can assist with any decision making.

Generali Global Assistance, Inc.

Tel: (240) 330-1000

Email: logistics@eausa.com (Logistics Platform) or ops@eausa.com (Operations Platform).

International SOS Assistance Inc. (ISOS)

Tel: +1-800-523-6586 or +1-215-942-8226

Email: phlopsmed@internationalsos.com

Insurance Guidance

In the event of a serious medical condition, medical evacuation (medevac) will likely be necessary. In case of medical emergency, medevac may be to South Africa, the UK, or other locations where suitable care is available. All travelers should review their health insurance plan to determine medical services covered in Togo, and consider purchasing travel health and adequate evacuation insurance in case of emergency.

CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

HIV/AIDS, dengue, malaria and other viral fevers are prevalent in Togo. All visitors should take malaria prophylaxis. There are seasonal outbreaks of hemorrhagic diseases such as Lassa fever.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Togo.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Lomé Country Council was formed in 2016 and meets annually. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Lomé, 4332 Boulevard Eyadema, Cité OUA, B.P. 852, Lomé

(Monday-Thursday: 0730-1700, Friday: 0730-1230)

Embassy Contact Numbers

Phone Operator: + (228) 22-61-54-70; Emergency After-Hours: + (228) 22-61-54-70

Website: https://tg.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

Those visiting or residing in Togo should enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP will alert the U.S. Embassy of your presence in-country, keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements, and help friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

Additional Resources

Togo Country Information Sheet