Risk level

Safety and security

Border with Burkina Faso

Extremist groups operating in southwest Burkina Faso have infiltrated the border with Togo. They have carried out attacks as well as kidnappings.

In response to these incidents, and the extremist threat, the local government has increased military operations in the border region.

Further attacks may occur with little or no warning.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in Lomé. Thieves are more active along beaches and in market areas.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times.

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed assaults, violent robberies and armed carjacking, is increasing and may also occur. Residential burglaries are common. Criminals are active mainly at night but there have also been incidents during the day.

• Remain vigilant at all times
• Don’t show signs of affluence
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark
• Avoid the beach and the seafront at night
• If you are the victim of an armed attack, don’t resist

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

The cities of Sodoké, Bafilo and Mango are particularly prone to civil unrest and violent demonstrations. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators have resulted in casualties in the past. Security forces have used excessive force to disperse crowds and local authorities have shut down telecommunication services in affected areas. 

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for the latest information

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in western Africa. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• 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

Overseas fraud

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous due to strong currents.

• Consult local residents for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water safety abroad

Power shortages

Power shortages are common in Togo. They may affect tourist facilities, which are already scarce.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. While city roads are usually paved, you may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle for travel outside major cities. Heavy seasonal rains and flooding can also affect the road conditions.

Most roads are poorly lit with poor signage. Motorcycles, vehicles, pedestrians and roaming animals pose further risks.

In Lomé, criminals frequently lure drivers out of their vehicles by pretending to need assistance. Armed bandits also set up illegal roadblocks to stop and rob vehicles.

If driving in Togo:

• don’t travel overland after dark
• keep vehicle doors locked and windows shut at all times
• carry a cellphone and a charger with you at all times
• if involved in a road accident, contact 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

Public transportation

Public transportation is limited and inadequate. When available, vehicles are poorly maintained and unsafe.

There is no domestic flight or train service available.

Buses

Public and private bus services are unsafe. Vehicles are poorly maintained.

Avoid using them.

Taxis

Taxis are available, but vehicles are not properly maintained.

• Use officially marked taxis only
• Don’t share taxis with strangers

Motorcycles and mopeds

Motorcycles and mopeds commonly operate as taxis, especially in Lomé. Drivers are often speeding.

Be cautious if using them as accidents occur.

Piracy

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

Live Piracy Report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Togolese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Togo.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof that you have enough money to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may put you at higher risk of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they’re more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability. Medical services are costly and usually require immediate cash payment. Fees are generally higher for foreigners.

Medical supplies are also limited, including medicine.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medication

Medication is scarce. You should bring basic medicine, particularly if travelling to outlying areas.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Togo.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Pornography

Possession, use, manufacture or trafficking of pornography is illegal.

Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences.

Photography

It’s strictly prohibited to photograph:

• government or military buildings
• government or military personnel

They may not always be clearly identifiable. When in doubt, do not take a picture.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Togolese law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face imprisonment and heavy fines.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. They should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Togo.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Togo.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Togo, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Togo.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Togo by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Togo to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

Local authorities can ask you to prove your identity at any time.

• Carry certified copies of identification and travel documents at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated

Driving

You may use your valid Canadian driver’s licence to drive in Togo. However, it is recommended to carry an International Driving Permit.

Police checkpoints are frequent in Togo. You should have identification papers and vehicle documentation readily available for presentation if requested.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency in Togo is the Communauté financière africaine franc (XOF).

The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards are usually accepted in cities and hotels.

Exchange foreign currency at banks or official foreign exchange offices only.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season

The rainy season runs from April to November.

Seasonal flooding can slow down overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged.

• Avoid the affected areas 
• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Sand dust

The harmattan, a burning, dusty and sand-filled wind, blows in from the Sahara from December to March.

The harmattan can cause disruptions to travel and reduce visibility, especially in the northern parts of the country. It can also strongly affect the health of people with respiratory ailments.

• Consult a physician before departure to determine associated health risks
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information