March 23, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Togo is a small, developing country in West Africa. French is the official language. Tourism facilities are limited, especially outside the capital city, Lome.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should obtain visas prior to arrival, as only visas of limited validity are available at the airport and some border posts. Travelers applying for visa extensions have experienced significant delays. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copies of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. Travelers may obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 234-4212. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Togolese embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens are urged to avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Togo has experienced periodic violence, strikes, and political tensions since 1990. These periods of unrest often lead to a clampdown by security forces, particularly in Lome. In the past, the government has been known to close Togo ’s border with Ghana from time to time. Motorists should be prepared to stop at numerous police checkpoints in Lome and upcountry. When driving, keep car windows rolled up and doors locked. If possible, travelers should carry a working mobile phone in the car.

CRIME: Pick-pocketing and theft are common, especially along the beach and in the market areas of Lome. Residential burglary is becoming more common, as are carjackings. Because of violent crime, Americans should avoid the Grand Marché area, as well as the beach road, during hours of darkness.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Togo. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. Recently, an increasing number of American citizens have been the targets of such scams.

Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the “advance fees.” A common variation is a request for an American to pretend to be the next-of-kin to a recently deceased Togolese who left a fortune unclaimed in a Togolese bank. This variation generally includes requests for lawyers' fees and money to pay taxes to withdraw the money. Another common variation of this scheme involves individuals claiming to be refugees or other victims of various West African conflicts (notably Sierra Leone ) who contact U.S. citizens to request their help in transferring large sums of money out of Togo. Another typical ploy has persons claiming to be related to present or former political leaders who need assistance to transfer large sums of cash. Other variations include what appears to be a legitimate business deal requiring advance payments on contracts.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any unsolicited business proposal originating from Togo should be carefully inspected before any funds are committed, any goods or services are provided, or any travel is undertaken. Please check the Embassy web site at http://lome.usembassy.gov for the most current information on fraud in Togo. For additional information, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Advance Fee Business Scams, available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Togo are limited. There is no adequate emergency medical care. While some medicines are available through local pharmacies, travelers should carry any needed, properly labeled medicines and medications with them.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars ( US ). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Togo. Because travelers to Togo are at high risk for contracting malaria they should consider taking one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and for up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and which antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, visit the CDC Travelers' Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

Additional information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international traveler's at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299); or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Togo is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Urban roads are generally paved, but driving conditions are hazardous due to the presence of pedestrians and livestock on the roadways. Overland travel off the main network of roads generally requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Poorly marked, armed checkpoints, often manned by undisciplined soldiers, exist throughout the country. Nighttime travel on unfamiliar roads is dangerous. Banditry, including demands for bribes at checkpoints, has been reported on major inter-city highways, including the Lome-Cotonou coastal highway. The presence of many small motorbikes and poorly maintained vehicles adds to the danger of driving in Togo. Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings, and drive defensively.

Americans should also be aware of the possibility of staged accidents when driving in Lome. Motorbikes have been known to cut in front of a vehicle, cause a collision, and draw a crowd, which can turn hostile if you attempt to leave the scene of the so-called accident. Such encounters appear designed to extort money from the vehicle driver. Pedestrians can also cause staged accidents. Travelers should drive with their car doors locked and windows closed, and have a radio or cell phone in the vehicle. If you are involved in this kind of accident and can drive away, please leave the scene, drive to a safe location, and alert both the police and the U.S. Embassy.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at road_safety.html.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service between the United States and Togo, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Togo 's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Togo 's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://www.intl.faa.gov. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the Department of Defense (DOD) policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

POWER SHORTAGES: Although Togo is taking measures to increase its energy-generating capacity, tourist facilities, especially those upcountry, often experience power outages.

CREDIT CARDS: Only certain U.S. credit cards are accepted in Togo. Most major hotels and the restaurants attached to them accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, while smaller hotels and restaurants do not. Travelers planning to use credit cards should know which cards are accepted before they commit to any transaction. Travelers should keep all credit card receipts, as unauthorized card use and overcharging are common.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Togolese law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Togo are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: Taking photographs of places affiliated with the government of Togo, including official government buildings, border crossings, checkpoints, police stations, military bases, utility buildings, airports, and government vehicles, is strictly prohibited. Government buildings may not always be clearly identifiable, as they vary from very well marked to not marked at all. In addition, taking pictures of government or military personnel is strictly prohibited. Cameras and film may be confiscated.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Togo is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Togo. The Embassy is at the intersection of Rue Kouenou and Rue Tokmake (formerly known as Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban), Lome, telephone (228) 221-29-92 (days) or (228) 221-29-93 (after hours), fax (228) 221-79-52. The mailing address is B.P. 852, Lome. The Embassy's Internet home page is http://lome.usembassy.gov.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 5, 2003, to update the sections on Safety and Security, Medical Facilities, Other Health Information and Registration Embassy Location.

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