B - Stable regulated state, there is a medium HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be medium. Corruption risk is medium. Road deaths are higher than the EU average

 

The country scores 126/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.96 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Togo after appropriate security advice.

 

Some categories of business traveller may require further support due to language barriers and security issues.

 

Political situation

 

Political protests occur in Lomé, sometimes at very short notice, and occasionally become violent. There were serious riots in Lomé in June 2012. Areas affected were Dekon, Bée, and Assigamée. Protests also took place in Lomé in August 2012, where thousands of protesters were dispersed by police, using tear gas and rubber bullets. There have been clashes in Lomé since then, most recently in November 2014 when there were some injuries as police broke up a confrontation between government and opposition supporters.

 

Crime

 

Violent crime, theft and pick-pocketing are common throughout Togo and you should be especially cautious in Lomé along the beach and in the markets. Attacks occur during daylight as well as at night. You should avoid travelling alone where possible, even within Lomé city limits, especially at night. You should be alert to the risk of car-jackings, including through staged accidents. It’s generally better not to resist armed attack.

 

Scams

 

Foreign nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists operating in West Africa. The scams come in many forms: romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities and can pose great financial risk to victims. You should treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa.

 

Local travel

 

Exit and entry points at borders can be opened and closed at short notice. Be prepared for checks by the local police and military.

 

Road travel

 

Driving standards and road conditions in Togo are poor. Avoid travelling outside towns and cities at night as roads are poorly lit.During rainy seasons minor, unpaved roads may become impassable. You should stop at all control points on request, turn on interior vehicle lights and only continue when permission has been given to do so. You may encounter official and unofficial roadblocks even in the city centre.

 

Take care when using public transport; driving standards and vehicle maintenance are poor.

 

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.

 

Swimming

 

Avoid swimming in the sea as ocean currents are very strong along the coast. Many drownings occur each year.

 

Money

Togo is a cash-based society and credit cards are rarely accepted, especially Mastercard. There are some ATMs at major banks in Lomé, dispensing local currency (West African CFA). Take care when using your credit card or an ATM.

 

Medical facilities are poor. Emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation would be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation and contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Water-borne diseases (including cholera), tuberculosis, meningitis and malaria are common.

 

The 2013 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 110,00 adults aged 15 or over in Togo were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 2.9% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

Visas 

 

Foreign passport holders need a visa to enter Togo and you are strongly advised to get a visa before travel.  Embassy in Paris (address: 8 Rue Alfred–Roll, 75017 Paris. Telephone: (00) (33 1) 43 80 12 13). Visas issued on arrival in Togo are limited to 7 days and getting an extension can be time-consuming.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of one year from the date of exit from Togo.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry to and exit from Togo.

 

Yellow Fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries.