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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.听听听听

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on 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

The main threat in Togo is from Jama鈥檃t Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)鈥痑nd other al-Qa鈥檌da (AQ) affiliated groups,鈥痠ncluding al-Qa鈥檌da in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). JNIM is mainly active鈥痠n 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
• caf茅s 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听

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.听

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.听

Terrorist kidnapping is infrequent in Togo, but may occur. FCDO听advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso, due to the security situation in Burkina Faso.

Political situation

The cities of Sokod茅, Bafilo and Mango have a history of violent demonstrations where protesters and security forces have been injured and killed. If you鈥檙e in an area of any town or city when a demonstration happens, leave immediately.

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.

Togo鈥檚 other borders

Togo鈥檚 borders can close at short notice.

Crime

Violent crime, theft and pickpocketing are common in Togo, particularly on the beaches and markets of Lom茅. Attacks take place during the day and at night.

You can protect yourself and your belongings by:

• not travelling alone, especially at night
• not carrying valuables or large amounts of cash with you
• making sure purses and bags are closed and not easy to grab

There have also been reports of carjackings. Armed criminals may stage a traffic accident so they can flag down vehicles.

Scams

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms 鈥� romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities 鈥� and can cause financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they鈥檙e asked to transfer funds to you in Togo. Tell them to contact you to check you鈥檝e made this request.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you at all times. Make sure you鈥檙e able to access the original quickly if needed.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in fines and a prison sentence.

Using cameras in secure areas

It鈥檚 illegal to take photographs of or near sensitive or official sites such as:

• military installations
• government buildings
• airport buildings

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo and penalties are severe. You could be fined or given a prison sentence.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

Togo is a cash-based society so bring enough cash with you to cover your visit. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Some hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards, but card-paying machines are not reliable so you may be asked to pay in cash.

Some ATMs in the capital, Lom茅, accept international cards and dispense local currency.听听听听听

Outdoor activities

Swimming safety

Ocean currents are very strong along the coast and there are a number of drownings each year. Dangerous beaches are unlikely to have warning signs. Follow local advice before swimming.

See from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Togo, see information on driving abroad.
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You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Togo for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.

If you鈥檙e staying for longer than 6 months, you鈥檒l need get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.听

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Togo. There are no set blood alcohol content limits, but if traffic control officers suspect you of drink-driving they can order a medical exam. Punishments range from a fine and a prison sentence of one to 3 years.

Road conditions

Roads outside towns and cities are poorly lit. During the rainy season, minor unpaved roads may be blocked.

You may encounter official and unofficial roadblocks. Stop at control points if asked. Turn on your interior vehicle lights and only continue when you鈥檙e told you can.

Driving standards in Togo are poor and add to the risk of accidents. Public transport vehicles can be poorly maintained and are often driven over the speed limit.

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. If you鈥檙e travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.