Togo is a narrow West African nation stretching from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, offering diverse landscapes from pristine beaches to lush mountains. This compact country combines vibrant markets, UNESCO heritage sites, rich Voodoo culture, and warm hospitality, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous travelers.
Togo is generally considered one of the safer destinations in West Africa for the coastal south, including Lomé and tourist areas like Kpalimé and Lake Togo. The primary concerns are petty theft in crowded markets, road safety, and elevated risk in northern regions near the Burkina Faso and Benin borders where terrorist activity has been reported.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Most Western governments advise exercising normal security precautions in Lomé and the south while recommending reconsideration of travel to northern border regions (Savanes Region near Burkina Faso). The coastal and Plateaux regions are accessible with standard travel awareness.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Togo due to civil unrest and crime. Do not travel to the Savanes Region (northern border area) due to terrorism and kidnapping risks.
Yellow - Some Risk
Be vigilant in Lomé particularly in crowded areas and at night. The northern border regions with Burkina Faso carry significant terrorism risk and should be avoided.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid the northern border regions near Burkina Faso and Benin due to elevated terrorism and banditry risks - consult your government travel advisory before visiting.
Stay away from political demonstrations and large public gatherings; unrest can escalate quickly and police response can be heavy-handed.
Use only registered (yellow) taxis in Lome and negotiate the fare before getting in - avoid unlicensed motorcycle taxis for solo female travelers after dark.
Keep valuables out of sight in Grand Marche and other crowded markets where pickpocketing is common; use a money belt under your clothing.
Be alert to romance scams and friendship scams where strangers offer unsolicited help, tours, or gifts before requesting money or phone credit.
Register with your country's embassy in Lome on arrival for extended stays; the US and French embassies can assist in emergencies.
Malaria is endemic year-round - take prophylaxis, use DEET repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net, especially in low-lying coastal areas.
Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks from street vendors; hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times - police checkpoints are common outside cities and officials may request ID.
Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, police officers, or the Presidential Palace - this is illegal and can result in detention.
When traveling between cities, travel during daylight hours only; road conditions deteriorate after dark and accident rates are high.
Bribery is sometimes expected at checkpoints - carry small bills (500-1000 XOF) but do not offer bribes proactively.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Friendship and invitation scam
Strangers approach tourists with excessive friendliness, offering to be a guide, take you to a 'special' market, or invite you somewhere — eventually requesting money, phone credit, or expensive gifts
How to avoid: Politely decline unsolicited guide offers and be wary of anyone who approaches you specifically as a tourist; if you want a guide, arrange one through your hotel
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis or inexperienced drivers quote dramatically inflated fares to tourists who do not know local prices, sometimes doubling or tripling the standard rate
How to avoid: Always negotiate the fare before entering any taxi; a typical short Lomé trip costs 1,000-3,000 XOF; ask your hotel what standard rates are for common destinations
Market overpricing
At Grand Marché and tourist-adjacent stalls, initial prices for foreigners can be 3-5 times the local price; vendors rely on tourists not knowing local values
How to avoid: Research typical prices before shopping, start bargaining at 40-50% of the asking price, and walk away if a fair price cannot be reached
Fake police fine
Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers approach tourists claiming an infringement and demanding immediate payment of a 'fine'
How to avoid: Ask for identification and insist on going to an official police station; genuine officers will have uniform and credentials; contact your embassy if detained
Photography extortion
At the Fetish Market or in some village areas, vendors or bystanders demand large payments after a tourist takes a photograph, sometimes aggressively
How to avoid: Always ask permission before photographing anyone; agree any fees in advance; at the Fetish Market, arrange a proper guide who will handle photography access
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory for entry. Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio). Consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Sealed bottled water widely available. Avoid ice in drinks unless from reliable sources. Boiled or filtered water acceptable.
- Food
- Street food from busy vendors with high turnover is generally safe; avoid food left sitting in the sun. Be cautious with raw salads and unpeeled fruit from street vendors. All meat should be thoroughly cooked. Fish from reputable beach vendors is excellent but ensure it is freshly grilled.
- Facilities
- Lomé has several adequate private clinics including Clinique de l'Union and Hospital de Lomé for basic to moderate care. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Ghana (Accra, 3 hours) or Europe. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are widely available in Lomé and stock most common medications.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Lomé and the southern coastal region is generally manageable with standard precautions. Stick to well-lit areas after dark, use registered yellow taxis, avoid the beach strip west of the port at night, and keep hotel details and emergency contacts readily accessible. Join group tours for northern Togo excursions rather than travelling independently.
Female travellers
Solo female travellers will experience some unwanted attention in Lomé, particularly near markets and the beach, but serious incidents are relatively rare. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) to reduce attention, use taxis rather than motorbike taxis after dark, and consider arranging tours through reputable operators rather than navigating independently in unfamiliar areas.
Families
Togo is a welcoming destination for families with children aged 8 and above. The main safety considerations are water hygiene (bottled water only), malaria prophylaxis for all family members, sun protection in the tropical heat, and sticking to established hotels with pools in Lomé. Plan activities for cooler morning hours and allow for afternoon rest during the hottest part of the day.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Togo (no specific criminalisation), though LGBTQ+ rights are not recognised and public acceptance remains very limited, particularly outside educated urban circles. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples will attract attention and potential hostility. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise discretion, and Lomé's expat and international community provides some social spaces that are relatively more accepting.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 117
- Medical
- 118
- Embassy
- US Embassy Lomé: +228 22 61 54 70 (Boulevard Eyadema). French Embassy: +228 22 23 47 47. UK represented by French Embassy for consular emergencies.
- Tourist Police
- Contact central police (117) as no dedicated tourist police unit exists; your hotel reception is often the fastest point of contact for tourist-related incidents