Orientation briefing in Togo

From the 11th to the 16th centuries, various ethnic groups settled the Togo region. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the coastal region became a major trading center for enslaved people, and the surrounding region took on the name of "The Slave Coast." In 1884, Germany declared the area a protectorate called Togoland, which included present-day Togo. After World War I, colonial rule over Togo was transferred to France. French Togoland became Togo upon independence in 1960.

Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multi-party elections instituted in the early 1990s, EYADEMA largely dominated the government. His Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has been in power almost continually since 1967, with its successor, the Union for the Republic, maintaining a majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in 2005, the military installed his son, Faure GNASSINGBE, as president and then engineered his formal election two months later. Togo held its first relatively free and fair legislative elections in 2007. Since then, GNASSINGBE has started the country along a gradual path to democratic reform. Togo has held multiple presidential and legislative elections, and in 2019, the country held its first local elections in 32 years.

Despite those positive moves, political reconciliation has moved slowly, and the country experiences periodic outbursts of protests from frustrated citizens, leading to violence between security forces and protesters. Constitutional changes in 2019 to institute a runoff system in presidential elections and to establish term limits have done little to reduce the resentment many Togolese feel after more than 50 years of one-family rule. GNASSINGBE became eligible for his current fourth term and one additional fifth term under the new rules. The next presidential election is set for 2025. 

Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place unexpectedly. Monitor media outlets, updates from the local authorities or from your travel operator about possible disruptions. Be vigilant if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, stay away and exercise caution. Turn around and move to safety.

The cities of Sokodé, Bafilo and Mango have a history of violent demonstrations where protesters and security forces have been injured and killed. If you’re in an area of any town or city when a demonstration happens, leave immediately.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Togo-Burkina Faso border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso, except for:

• the city of Dapaong and the N1 highway leading to it from the south.

Savanes Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Savanes region.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Togo

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Togo.

The main threat in Togo is from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and other al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliated groups, including al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). JNIM is mainly active in the northern region of the country near the Burkina Faso border. However, attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:

• beach resorts
• hotels
• cafés and restaurants
• government buildings
• military bases and security installations

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorist kidnap 

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

Terrorist kidnapping is infrequent in Togo, but may occur. FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to the security situation in Burkina Faso.

Political situation

Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place unexpectedly. Monitor media outlets, updates from the local authorities or from your travel operator about possible disruptions. Be vigilant if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, stay away and exercise caution. Turn around and move to safety.

The cities of Sokodé, Bafilo and Mango have a history of violent demonstrations where protesters and security forces have been injured and killed. If you’re in an area of any town or city when a demonstration happens, leave immediately.

Togo-Burkina Faso border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to the security situation in Burkina Faso and the risk of kidnapping in the region.

Togo’s other borders

Togo’s borders can close at short notice.

Crime

Violent crime, theft and pickpocketing are common in Togo, particularly on the beaches and markets of Lomé. Attacks take place during the day and at night.

You can protect yourself and your belongings by:

• not travelling alone, especially at night
• not carrying valuables or large amounts of cash with you
• making sure purses and bags are closed and not easy to grab

There have also been reports of carjackings. Armed criminals may stage a traffic accident so they can flag down vehicles.

Scams

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities – and can cause financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Togo. Tell them to contact you to check you’ve made this request.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you at all times. Make sure you’re able to access the original quickly if needed.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in fines and a prison sentence.

Using cameras in secure areas

It’s illegal to take photographs of or near sensitive or official sites such as:

• military installations
• government buildings
• airport buildings

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo and penalties are severe. You could be fined or given a prison sentence.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

Togo is a cash-based society so bring enough cash with you to cover your visit. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Some hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards, but card-paying machines are not reliable so you may be asked to pay in cash.

Some ATMs in the capital, Lomé, accept international cards and dispense local currency.     

Outdoor activities

Swimming safety

Ocean currents are very strong along the coast and there are a number of drownings each year. Dangerous beaches are unlikely to have warning signs. Follow local advice before swimming.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Togo, see information on driving abroad.
 
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Togo for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.

If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you’ll need get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Togo. There are no set blood alcohol content limits, but if traffic control officers suspect you of drink-driving they can order a medical exam. Punishments range from a fine and a prison sentence of one to 3 years.

Road conditions

Roads outside towns and cities are poorly lit. During the rainy season, minor unpaved roads may be blocked.

You may encounter official and unofficial roadblocks. Stop at control points if asked. Turn on your interior vehicle lights and only continue when you’re told you can.

Driving standards in Togo are poor and add to the risk of accidents. Public transport vehicles can be poorly maintained and are often driven over the speed limit.

Sea travel

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against large vessels in Togolese waters and those of neighbouring countries. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. If you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 8200 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest information on vaccination recommendations for Togo
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Togo, including:

• yellow fever
• Zika virus
• dengue

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

You’ll need to go to a pharmacy to buy most over-the-counter medicines. They are not sold in supermarkets in Togo. Where possible, buy known brands. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. They will usually accept prescriptions from the UK.

Healthcare in Togo

Medical facilities are poor. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation may be necessary.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.