CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Togo

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 3 has been updated (demonstrations).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Togo

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution while in Togo. Although the political situation is generally stable, Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. There has been an increase in violent crime and social unrest and politically-motivated demonstrations remain a concern. Canadians in Togo should remain vigilant and avoid large crowds, rallies and areas where demonstrations may occur.

Canadians are invited to register and maintain contact with the Consulate of Canada in Lomé, Togo, High Commission of Canada in Accra, Ghana, or with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (see Section 5).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

The rising incidents of crime is a serious concern in urban areas, including in Lomé. Several attacks, armed assaults and violent robberies have been reported in the past months. Armed carjackings and residential burglaries are increasingly common. Foreigners are known to have been targeted.

Crimes of opportunity such as petty thefts and muggings are prevalent. Thieves are active in Lomé, particularly along beaches and in market areas. Travellers should not show signs of affluence and should avoid walking alone, especially after dark.

Banditry

There have been incidents of illegal roadblocks set up by armed bandits who stop and rob vehicles. Attacks have been reported near the Burkina Faso border and have occurred mostly after dark.

Demonstrations

Presidential elections took place in Togo in March 2010. Since then, weekly demonstrations have been held in the capital. Canadians should avoid the areas in close proximity to these rallies. Periodic politically or socially-motivated unrest remains a concern and may occur with little warning. Security forces have imposed restrictions during periods of unrest, such as closing the borders and cutting telephone lines.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

General safety information

Tourist facilities are limited and may be affected by chronic power shortages.

Canadians should carry certified copies of identification and travel documents at all times and keep originals in a safe place (e.g. hotel safe). It is also advisable to carry a cellular phone.

Ocean currents are very strong along the coast. Many drownings occur each year.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Togolese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Togo and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Togo. The passport should be valid for at least one year beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Togo - Lomé, Consulate of Canada
Address: 191 rue École Kouvahey,Quartier Avenou, Lomé, Togo
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3827, Lomé, Togo,
Tel.: 228 251-8730, emergencies 228 903-5245
Fax: 228 251-8730
E-Mail: consulatecanadalome@gmail.com

The High Commission of Canada in Accra, Ghana, has consular responsibility for Togo. The address is as follows:

Ghana - ACCRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 42 Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1639, Accra, Ghana,
Tel.: 233 (21) 21 15 21 or 22 85 55
Fax: 233 (21) 21 15 23 or 77 37 92
E-Mail: accra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ghana/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Accra and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted).

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east), a region where meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale. Outbreaks most often occur during the dry season (December to June). To obtain information, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Web site.

Occurrences of Avian Influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in poultry have been reported in Togo. For recommendations for travellers, please consult our Global Issues page or the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Notice.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and supplies are limited. There is extremely limited emergency medical care , including ambulance services. In the event of a serious illnesses, or accident, medical evacuation would likely be necessary. Medicines are scarcely available, therefore, Canadians should bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labelled. It is recommended that travellers carry a signed, dated letter from their physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names.

Diseases

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, polio, and typhoid) are prevalent. Canadians are advised to use good personal hygiene practices and take all necessary precautions; boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.

Malaria is prevalent in most areas of the country. Travellers are encouraged to seek medical advice on the use of a preventive treatment before visiting Togo and to take personal protective measures against insect bites.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Illegal and/or restricted activities

The penalties imposed for the possession, use, manufacture, or sale of illegal drugs or pornography can be severe. Convicted offenders could face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Photography of, or near, government or military buildings and of government or military personnel is strictly prohibited. Government buildings may not always be clearly identifiable. If in doubt, travellers should refrain from taking a picture.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Urban roads are usually paved, but small motorbikes, poorly maintained and erratically driven vehicles, pedestrians, and roaming animals pose risks. Road signs are often poorly visible or completely missing. Heavy seasonal rains and flooding could affect local road conditions.

Overland travel after dark should be avoided. In Lomé, beware of individuals who appear to need assistance, as bandits frequently use this tactic to lure drivers out of their vehicles. Travellers should keep vehicle doors locked and windows shut at all times. In remote areas, it is recommended to travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles. Since emergency vehicle services are non-existent, in the event of an accident, travellers should proceed to the nearest police station or hospital. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel off the main roads.

Identification papers and vehicle documentation should be readily available for frequent police checkpoints.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Public transportation

Exercise caution when using public transportation. Taxis are available, but some are poorly maintained. Travellers should not share taxis with strangers. Motorcycles and mopeds are common, especially in Lomé. They generally operate as taxis.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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Currency

The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XOF). Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from April to November. Travellers are reminded that heavy rains and flooding may cause significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Some transportation routes may become impassable. Canadians are advised to follow regional weather forecasts, avoid any unnecessary travel through affected regions and follow the advice of local authorities.

During the dry season, and especially in the winter months, from December to February, dry harmattan winds can reduce visibility in the north.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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