Togo Register Travel insurance Destinations
Last updated: ET
Still valid: ET
Latest updates: Safety and security - Demonstrations.
Print format
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Togo - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Togo due to an increase in violent crime, social unrest and politically motivated demonstrations.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Demonstrations
Demonstrations may occur. There are tensions throughout the country over the political situation, which is particularly tense in big cities, notably in Lomé and Sokodé. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for the latest information
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 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.
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.
Public transportation
Exercise caution when using public transportation. 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.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Piracy
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Live Piracy Report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre
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
Swimming
Coastal waters can be dangerous. Several drownings occur each year. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.
General safety information
Tourist facilities are limited and may be affected by chronic power shortages.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/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 foreign diplomatic missions and consulates 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 upon arrival.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
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 diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Togo.
Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Lassa fever in West Africa - January 11, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world.
Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Meningococcal disease
This country is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area where there are many cases of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. Travellers who may be at high risk should consider getting vaccinated. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is recommended.
- There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in West Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in West Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Cholera
Risk
Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.
For protection of cholera
All travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.
Cholera vaccination
Travellers at higher risk should discuss with a health care professional the benefits of getting vaccinated.
Travellers at higher risk include those:
- visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
- visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis can be spread to humans through freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms). The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds). There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in West Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue
- Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Zika virus infection
Zika virus infection is a risk in this country. The mosquito that spreads the virus is found here.
Travel recommendations:
All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites and other diseases spread by insects.
Malaria
Malaria
- There is a risk of malaria throughout the year in the whole country.
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.
- See a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss the benefits of taking antimalarial medication and to determine which one to take.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in West Africa, like avian influenza, Ebola, Lassa fever, and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is a risk in this country.
Lassa fever is caused by a virus carried by rodents. Humans get sick when they inhale or come into close contact with feces, saliva, or urine of infected rodents or the blood or bodily fluids of infected humans.
Camping, forestry work, or other outdoor activities can put travellers at a higher risk.
Lassa virus can be very serious. Avoid rodents and rodent-infested areas.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities and supplies are limited. Medicine is scarce. Medical services are costly and fees are generally higher for foreigners. Cash payment is requested upon rendering any medical check-up. There is extremely limited emergency medical care, including ambulance services. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation would likely be necessary.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & 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.
Illegal and 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, you should refrain from taking a picture.
LGBTQ2 travellers
Togolese law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face imprisonment for up to 3 years and heavy fines. Homosexuality is not socially tolerated.
LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Togo.
General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad
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.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Togo for women who have automatically acquired their husband’s citizenship and for Togolese citizens, born in Togo.
If you are a citizen of Canada, but also a citizen of Togo, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited in Togo. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Driving
You must carry an International Driving Permit.
Identification papers and vehicle documentation should be readily available for presentation at frequent police checkpoints.
More about the International Driving Permit
Money
The currency in Togo is the CFA franc (XOF).
Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Canadian debit cards may not work even at major banks and cash machines.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
The rainy season extends from April to November. Heavy rains and flooding may cause significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Some transportation routes may become impassable. Follow regional weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel through affected regions and follow the advice of local authorities.
During the dry season, and especially in the winter months from December to February, the dry harmattan winds can reduce visibility in the north.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 117 or 161 from a cellular telephone
- firefighters: 118
Consular assistance
There is no Canadian government office in Togo. You can obtain consular assistance from the High Commission of Canada in Accra, Ghana.
Accra - High Commission of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Accra and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.