Togo Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Togo due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

• The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency or routine services to U.S. citizens outside of Lome due to the safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Togo need special authorization to travel to these areas due to safety risks: North of Dapaong Highways N24 and N28 Kpendjal and Kpendjal-Ouest district
• U.S. government employees working in Togo are not allowed to stay overnight in areas north of Mango due to safety risks.

Crime

Violent crime may occur anywhere in Togo. This includes carjacking, robbery, and home invasion.

• Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes.
• Violent attacks are more common in the northern region of Togo.
• Crime occurs more frequently in urban areas, near the beach, and in crowded markets. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Police checkpoints may be present throughout the country. Though it is not as common, you may find unofficial checkpoints in some locations.

Do Not Travel to:

• Northern border region near Burkina Faso due to risk of terrorism and kidnapping.
• Areas north of Kande due to risk of terrorism.

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.

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.

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.

Risk level

Togo - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Togo due to social unrest, politically motivated demonstrations and violent crime.

Regional risks

Border with Burkina Faso - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 30 km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to military operations, the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

This warning includes the city and area north of Dapaong, travel along the N28 and N16 highways, as well as the cities of:

• Cinkassé
• Korbongou
• Kong
• Mandouri
• Nadioum

Savanes region - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Savanes region due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping. This advisory excludes the area within 30 km of the border with Burkina Faso where you should avoid all travel.

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.

Savanes Region

The increased presence of extremist groups in the Savanes Region has led to an increased risk of attacks and kidnappings. A state of emergency is in effect and foreign travelers making their way to this region must obtain written travel authorization issued by the Ministry of Armed Forces of the Togolese Republic.

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

多哥风险等级为蓝色（低风险）