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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Togo due to social unrest, politically motivated demonstrations and violent crime.
Togo
Togo’s slender geography links Atlantic shores to northern savannas, with French, Ewe, and Kabye shaping its daily rhythms.
Overview
French is the official language, but Ewe and Kabye are widely spoken, especially in Lome and northern towns. The country’s compact size means quick transitions from coastal city life to inland markets and rural landscapes. Togo’s cross-border connections and regional contrasts offer a distinctive West African experience.
At a glance
Languages
- Ewe(Official)
- French(Official)
Population7,797,694
CurrencyWest African CFA Franc (XOF)
1 XOF = 0.001739 USD
1 USD = 575.19 XOF
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionHighSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficLowSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Temporary Residence, Tourist / Visa Waiver.
Temporary Residence
- Immigration Visa
Togo immigration visa route for establishing durable stay for professional, study, or family-reunion purposes, with residence-card formalities after arrival.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Tourist e-Visa (1-15 days, single entry)
Togo tourist e-Visa route through Togo Voyage. The source lists a single-entry tourist visa for one to fifteen days with a normal price of 25,000 CFA francs.
- 15 days
Sources
Languages
- Ewe(Official)
- French(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Togo.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all travel; FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Togo-Burkina Faso border. FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso, except for: the city of Dapaong and the N1 highway leading to it from the south. Savanes Region. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Savanes region.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise Increased Caution in Togo due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Northern border region near Burkina Faso due to risk of terrorism and kidnapping
- Areas north of Kande due to risk of terrorism
The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency or routine services to U.S. citizens outside of Lome due to the safety risks; U.S. government employees working in Togo need special authorization to travel to these areas due to safety risks:
- North of Dapaong
- Highways N24 and N28
- Kpendjal and Kpendjal-Ouest district
- U.S. government employees working in Togo are not allowed to stay overnight in areas north of Mango due to safety risks
Crime Violent crime may occur anywhere in Togo. This includes carjacking, robbery, and home invasion.
- Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes
- Violent attacks are more common in the northern region of Togo
- Crime occurs more frequently in urban areas, near the beach, and in crowded markets
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Police checkpoints may be present throughout the country
Though it is not as common, you may find unofficial checkpoints in some locations. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Togo. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists may target:
- Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
- Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Schools
- Parks
- Shopping malls and markets
- Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)
- Embassies and consulates
- Local police and armed forces
Health Health facilities are available in major cities. However, routine and emergency care may be limited or unavailable.
- Healthcare in rural areas in Togo is very limited
- Medical care may not meet U.S. standards of care
- Hospitals and doctors require payment up front prior to service or admission
- Medication and medical supplies may be unavailable in many healthcare facilities
- Locally available medications may be unsafe
Pharmacies are not well regulated. Unrest Avoid demonstrations, protests, political rallies, and large crowds. These events may become violent.
- Demonstrators and security forces may clash suddenly
- Police may use tear gas or other force to stop protests that block traffic in city centers and along National Route 1
- They have also arrested protesters
- Security forces have used force to break up crowds and have shut down internet and cell service
Kidnapping Criminal and terrorist groups have kidnapped foreigners in Togo. Armed groups may use extortion and kidnapping for ransom to finance criminal operations.
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