Safety in Togo

Petty theft: Pickpockets work the crowded districts of Lomé and the central markets hard. Leave expensive jewellery at home, never pull out a wad of notes in public, use a hidden money belt and keep a hand on your bag in a crush.

After dark: Once the sun goes down, quiet streets and the city beaches turn risky. In the evenings move only by proper taxi, ideally one called for you by your hotel reception, rather than walking and hoping for the best.

Border zones: The situation on the Burkina Faso frontier remains tense in 2026 because of armed groups operating in the region. Before planning anything in the far north, ask local authorities for the current picture and check your own government's travel advisory.

Photography: Photographing military sites, government buildings and anyone in uniform is strictly forbidden. Always ask ordinary people politely before pointing a camera, or you risk an angry scene and a demand for a large payment.

The ocean: Powerful undertows along the capital's shoreline make swimming genuinely dangerous even for strong swimmers. Do not go deep on wild stretches of coast where there are no lifeguards and no locals in the water.

Health: Malaria is a real threat, so repellent and nets are not optional. If your temperature rises for no obvious reason, go straight to a clinic for a rapid test; in the capital that is done quickly and accurately.

Togo is a narrow strip of land between Ghana and Benin, with moderate crime and few tourists.

Lomé. Pickpockets at the Grand Marché and the port, and theft on the beach. Nobody walks at night, especially along the shore.

Zed motorcycle taxis. The main transport, cheap and without helmets. The leading cause of injury to visitors.

The Akodessewa fetish market. The famous market of Vodun paraphernalia. Entry and photography fees are charged at the gate at verbally quoted prices. Agree in advance and do not be surprised by the persistence.

"Guides." In Kpalimé and the Togo hills, walks to waterfalls and plantations are offered. Agree in figures.

Currency exchange. The CFA franc is pegged to the euro. Change at banks.

Lomé beach. Beautiful, but swimming is out of the question: the currents are lethal.

The north. Savanes region near the Burkinabè border is affected by incursions by armed groups from the Sahel. A state of emergency applies and travel there is not advised.

Photography. Military installations, police, the presidential palace, the airport and the port are off limits. This is strictly enforced.

Vodun. Photographing rituals and fetishes only with permission and usually for a fee.

Drones. Permission is required.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Same-sex relations are criminalised.

Political gatherings. Demonstrations are suppressed and the internet has been shut off during periods of tension. A foreigner should stay clear.

Roads. Nobody drives between towns at night.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk year-round. Prophylaxis is essential.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcus (the north lies in the meningitis belt), rabies and polio.

Water. Bottled only.

The sea is lethal. Lomé's beach looks inviting, but its rip currents are among the strongest in the region, the bottom drops away sharply, and there are no lifeguards. Drownings occur regularly, foreigners included. Do not swim.

Heat and humidity. Above 30°C year-round.

Healthcare. Weak. Lomé has basic clinics. Anything serious means evacuation. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Emergency numbers: 117 police, 118 fire.

Togo ranks low on the Corruption Perceptions Index and roadside extortion occurs.

Checkpoints. Numerous on the highways, with requests for "help" ordinary. Calmly ask for a written report.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates issued. The language is French.

Lomé at night. Travel by car and do not walk along the beach.

The north. Military presence has increased because of the Sahel threat.

What actually matters. Togo's main risks are the ocean, malaria and motorcycle taxis. Crime against tourists is low and the country is welcoming.

Emergency number is 117.