Togo

Översikt

Security threats in Togo are generally low, although serious organized crime and theft are increasing problems in the capital Lomé especially at the port, market areas and the seafront. The risk of international armed conflict is low, partly mitigated by the cordial relations Togo generally maintains with neighbours Ghana, Benin and Burkina Faso. Nonetheless, geopolitical instability in the West Africa region presents an ongoing threat. Civil unrest also break out occasionally, including anti-government protests and public sector-strikes over pay and working conditions. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Togo. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Togo. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Risk of Dengue and malaria is present throughout the year in both rural and urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the whole country, including urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Togo is a small nation with estimated HIV prevalance of around 2.1% in the general population and around 110.000 are living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Togo. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is endemic and a major public health problem in Togo.

The medical facilities are extremely limited in Togo and medication is not always available. The majority of hospitals are in Lomé, but facilities are limited and not always sterile. Payment in advance is often expected even if you have travel insurance. Outside of Lomé, medical facilities are very poor and often unavailable. Ambulance services do not exist in the country.

Bring your own medication packed in the original boxes and clearly labelled with generic names. It is also advisable to bring your own needles.

In the event of serious medical problems it is advisable to leave the country for better medical facilities.

Pass

Passports need to be valid for one year after exiting Togo. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required by all those travelling to Togo.

Visum

Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Togo, but due to potential difficulties with acquiring visas upon arrival it advised to obtain a visa before travelling to Togo where possible.

Visas obtained upon arrival are valid for seven days. Passports must be handed in and can be collected with a visa the next day from the police. The exception to this is nationals from the EU’s Schengen Zone countries, passengers transiting within 24 hours, and passengers under 15 years accompanied by a parent.

A letter of responsibility is required for all business travellers. The letter must be addressed to your nearest Embassy of Togo, explaining the purpose of the visit. It must be written on company letterhead and signed by somebody of competence in your company other than the traveller.