Is Traveling To Lome, Togo Safe?

Togo is known for its violent crime, theft, and pickpocketing, especially on the beaches and markets of Lomé. Attacks occur during the day and at night, and travelers should be vigilant and take all possible precautions to minimize the risk of something going wrong. Togo’s main beach becomes dangerous after 10 p.m. due to local criminals and youths engaging in drug dealing.

Togo is a relatively safe country, but there are always risks in any foreign country. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in Lomé. Thieves are more active along beaches and in market areas. The US State Department recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Togo, but some areas have increased risk. The 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 area.

In the main town Lome, crime is very low and nightlife is pretty cool and safe. However, there are certain places you would be advised not to visit, such as the US Embassy in Togo Facebook Worldwide Caution Alert, which warns against potential terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions. Nighttime travel in Togo is especially dangerous and never recommended, particularly on the main north-south and east-west roads that see a high concentration of people.

In conclusion, Togo is a relatively safe country, but travelers should exercise caution and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Can you swim in Togo?

Togo is a tropical country with high temperatures ranging from 27°C on the south coast to 30°C in the north. The Voodoo Festival in Glidji is a must-see event with few foreign tourists. Togo is at its most torrid during March and April, making November to February the best time to visit. Rain falls May-October, with a reprise in the south in mid-July and mid-September. Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is only open from November to April.

The country’s festivals, such as Gbagba in August and the Voodoo Festival in September, offer a different type of heat. Togo is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with no bots, queues, or awful hold music.

Are Togo people friendly?

Togo is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes, including arid north, lush greenery in the Plateaux region, and tropical beaches in the south, and its people are known for their friendly nature.

Is Lomé Togo safe for tourists?

Togo is known for its violent crime, theft, and pickpocketing, especially on the beaches and markets of Lomé. Attacks occur during the day and night, and travelers should avoid traveling alone, carrying valuables, and keeping purses closed. Carjackings have also been reported, and armed criminals may stage traffic accidents to flag down vehicles. Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents, targeting various forms such as romance, friendship, business ventures, and employment opportunities. It is advised to be cautious when transferring funds to friends and family in Togo.

Is Togo safe for tourism?

Togo faces a high risk of terrorism, primarily from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) and its associated groups, primarily operating in the northern region near the Burkina Faso border. Attacks could be indiscriminate, targeting places frequented by foreign nationals, including beach resorts, hotels, cafes, restaurants, government buildings, and military bases. To protect yourself, stay informed, and follow local authorities’ advice.

Is Togo the poorest country in the world?

Togo, ranked 163rd on the United Nations Human Development Index, aims to become a middle-income country by 2030. Germany, Togo’s largest bilateral donor, stopped its development cooperation with the country in 1993, a period of almost 20 years. In 2012, cooperation resumed after progress in democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Germany’s most recent commitment for development cooperation was 100 million euros, made during government negotiations in May 2021 and a visit by then-Minister Müller in June 2021. As part of the BMZ 2030 reform process, the Togolese-German development cooperation program was restructured, focusing on core areas such as democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

Is Lomé worth visiting?

Togo, once known as “the pearl of West Africa”, has a charming and nonchalant charm. It offers a variety of attractions, including street-side eateries, colorful markets, and palm-fringed boulevards. The city also hosts regular events, concerts, exhibitions, and a good selection of books and newspapers. The Grand Marché, a vibrant market, offers everything from football tops to traditional fetishe ingredients. The Marché des Féticheurs, located 4km northeast, stocks everything for fetishes.

Is it safe Togo to Togo and Benin?

Benin is a country known for its high crime rate, terrorism, and kidnapping rates. The city of Kandi, along with its borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, is particularly vulnerable. The city of Tanguieta, along with its borders with Burkina Faso and Togo, is also at risk. The Pendjari and W National Parks, hunting zones, and Route Nationale Inter-Etats 7 and 10 are also areas of concern. Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups are active in Benin, particularly in areas bordering Burkina Faso and Niger.

Attacks can occur without warning, targeting various establishments, including shops, markets, hotels, and government installations. Robbery and assault are common, often occurring at night and in isolated locations.

What problems is Togo facing?

Opposition political parties and civil society organizations face intimidation and limited representation in the National Assembly, hindering their ability to push for political change and democracy. Corruption and immunity are persistent issues within public administration, affecting access to public jobs and contracts. The Togolese economy suffers from this, resulting in an annual loss equivalent to 25% of GDP. The High Authority for Preventing and Fighting Corruption and Similar Offenses’ powers remain limited, and enforcement of property declaration laws is lacking.

Property rights and judicial independence are not guaranteed in Togo, with land disputes remaining a major challenge. The informal sector dominates the economy, but the government has tried to counteract this through public investments in infrastructure and increased agricultural production. However, underdeveloped rail infrastructure and increasing interpersonal and regional inequalities hinder optimal use of the country’s maritime and airport infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the business climate has improved, and the government aims to achieve the status of a developing economy.

Do I need a visa for Lomé Togo?

Togo has an e-visa system that requires U. S. citizens to apply and pay for their visas before arrival in Togo. The Tourist Visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs 25, 000 West African CFA francs (FCFA), approximately $40. A single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 15 days costs 25, 000 FCFA, approximately $40. Other options include paying by credit card. A valid U. S. passport with at least three months beyond the intended stay in Togo is required.

Visa applications must be submitted at least five business days in advance. The U. S. Embassy will not intervene for non-compliance with entry requirements for Togo. Travelers are advised to confirm all travel requirements with the Togolese Government before travel. Land borders may be closed during elections in Togo, neighboring Ghana and Benin, and may be closed for other reasons without notice.

Do people in Togo speak English?

Togo is a multilingual country with over forty languages, including the official French language, Ewé, and Kabiyé. French is the formal written language in Togo, and the Togolese have a French-modeled government structure. The Togolese usually speak their African mother tongue, but French becomes mandatory in schools. Deaf education uses American Sign Language introduced by American missionary Andrew Foster.

French has a long history in Togo, having infiltrated every sector and home since the country was a French colony during colonialism. Today, French is the official language, spoken in public, used by the government, and as the trade language. It has become an important part of Togolese schools’ curriculum and has gradually attained a Togolese identity.

Ewe is one of the two national languages of Togo, spoken in the Maritime and Plateau areas of Kpalime, Notse, Atakpame, and Tsevie. Ewe is tonal, with pitch differences distinguishing words, a common characteristic of African languages. When written, the African Reference Alphabet is applied, resulting in Ewe appearing like a mixture of the International Phonetic Alphabet and Latin.