Exercise Increased Caution in Togo due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and health.
There was no change to the advisory level. The "health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.
Exercise Increased Caution in Togo due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Northern border region near Burkina Faso due to risk of terrorism and kidnapping.
- Areas north of Kande due to risk of terrorism.
Advisory summary
- The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency or routine services to U.S. citizens outside of Lome due to the safety risks.
- U.S. government employees working in Togo need special authorization to travel to these areas due to safety risks:
- North of Dapaong
- Highways N24 and N28
- Kpendjal and Kpendjal-Ouest district
- U.S. government employees working in Togo are not allowed to stay overnight in areas north of Mango due to safety risks.
Crime
Violent crime may occur anywhere in Togo. This includes carjacking, robbery, and home invasion.
- Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes.
- Violent attacks are more common in the northern region of Togo.
- Crime occurs more frequently in urban areas, near the beach, and in crowded markets. Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Police checkpoints may be present throughout the country. Though it is not as common, you may find unofficial checkpoints in some locations.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Togo. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists may target:
- Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
- Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Schools
- Parks
- Shopping malls and markets
- Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)
- Embassies and consulates
- Local police and armed forces
Health
Health facilities are available in major cities. However, routine and emergency care may be limited or unavailable.
- Healthcare in rural areas in Togo is very limited.
- Medical care may not meet U.S. standards of care.
- Hospitals and doctors require payment up front prior to service or admission.
- Medication and medical supplies may be unavailable in many healthcare facilities.
- Locally available medications may be unsafe. Pharmacies are not well regulated.
Unrest
Avoid demonstrations, protests, political rallies, and large crowds. These events may become violent.
- Demonstrators and security forces may clash suddenly.
- Police may use tear gas or other force to stop protests that block traffic in city centers and along National Route 1. They have also arrested protesters.
- Security forces have used force to break up crowds and have shut down internet and cell service.
Kidnapping
Criminal and terrorist groups have kidnapped foreigners in Togo. Armed groups may use extortion and kidnapping for ransom to finance criminal operations.
Risks in specific areas
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
Northern border region near Burkina Faso
Do Not Travel to the Northern border region near Burkina Faso due to risk of terrorism and kidnapping.
Armed groups have carried out attacks, including kidnappings, in the northern border region of Togo. Attacks have occurred in areas near Burkina Faso and Benin.
- Attacks may occur with little or no warning.
- The Savanes region is under a state of emergency.
- Foreigners must have special authorization from the Government of Togo to travel in the Savanes.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
Areas north of Kande
Do Not Travel to areas north of Kande due to risk of terrorism.
Armed groups have carried out attacks in Benin, close to this area. Attacks may occur with little or no warning.
If you decide to travel to Togo:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Togo.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
- Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
- Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Give your itinerary to a family member or friend.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa. Leave originals in your hotel safe.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Togo.
- Whether you are a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.