Togo Travel Safety

Road safety

City roads are usually paved. Motorcycles, poorly maintained and erratically driven vehicles, pedestrians and roaming animals pose risks. Road signs are often poorly visible or completely missing. Heavy seasonal rains and flooding can affect local road conditions. In Lomé, bandits frequently lure drivers out of their vehicles by pretending to need assistance. Armed bandits also set up illegal roadblocks to stop and rob vehicles. Attacks also occur near the Burkina Faso border, mostly after dark. Don't travel overland after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows shut at all times. If you are involved in a road accident, call the police. Don't try to leave the scene as it could draw a crowd that can turn hostile. In remote areas, travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel off the main roads.

Identification

Carry certified copies of identification and travel documents at all times and keep the originals in a safe place, for example, in a hotel safe.

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Several drownings occur each year. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Taxis

Taxis are available, but some are poorly maintained. Don't share taxis with strangers. Motorcycles and mopeds also operate as taxis and are common, especially in Lomé.

Public transportation

Exercise caution when using public transportation.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Togo, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Crime

Crimes of opportunity such as petty thefts and muggings are prevalent. Thieves are active in Lomé, particularly along beaches, in market areas and near ATMs and banks. Be extremely vigilant when withdrawing money, and only do so during the day. Armed assaults, violent robberies, armed carjacking and residential burglaries occur regularly, mainly at night but also during the day. Remain vigilant at all times, don't show signs of affluence and avoid walking alone, especially after dark. If you are the victim of an armed attack, don't offer resistance.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and transportation hubs and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

LGBT

Togolese law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face lenghty imprisonment and heavy fines. Homosexuality is not socially tolerated. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Togo.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use, manufacture or trafficking of illegal drugs or pornography are severe. Convicted offenders can expect sentences of up to 20 years in prison. Photography of, or near, government or military buildings and of government or military personnel is strictly prohibited. Government buildings may not always be clearly identifiable. If in doubt, its highly recommended to not take a picture.

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit. Identification papers and vehicle documentation should be readily available for presentation at frequent police checkpoints.