Travel Report for Togo

Country Profile for
Togo

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 4, 2006 15:47 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:52 EST

Togo

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

Following the inauguration of President Faure Gnassingbé Eyadéma in April 2005, political demonstrations and violent incidents occurred throughout the country.The political situation has since largely stabilized. However, security conditions could change rapidly. You should remain vigilant, especially along the Ghanaian border, where violent disturbances have been reported.

Canadians in

Togo

should monitor local news and avoid large crowds, political events and all situations where civil unrest and demonstrations may occur. They should also register and maintain contact with the High Commission of Canada in Accra,

Ghana

, or with Foreign Affairs Canada (call collect 613-996-8885).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violence, strikes, and political tensions occurred after the presidential elections of April 2005. A similar situation could recur. Security forces may impose restrictions during periods of unrest, such as closing the borders and cutting telephone lines.

Pickpockets and thieves are active in Lomé, particularly along beaches and in market areas. Do not show signs of affluence. Travellers should avoid displaying jewellery, expensive watches, and cameras. Assaults, carjackings, and armed robberies can occur. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows shut. It is also advisable to carry a cellular phone. Identification papers (preferably a certified true copy of your passport’s identification page) and vehicle documentation should be readily available for frequent police checkpoints. Banditry, including demands for payments at checkpoints, has been reported on major intercity highways, including the Lomé-Cotonou coastal highway. Visitors should be aware that their telephone or computer lines may be tapped, even in hotels.

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

Nigerian scam artists use

Togo

as a base for commercial fraud schemes. Please refer to the Annex of the Travel Report for Nigeria for tips on recognizing a business scam, brief descriptions of the most common ones, and numbers for further information.

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4. LOCAL 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. Avoid overland travel after dark. In Lomé, beware of individuals who appear to need assistance, as bandits frequently use this tactic to lure you out of your vehicle. 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, proceed to the nearest police station or hospital. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for travel off the main roads.

Vehicles are usually rented with drivers. Taxis are available, but some are poorly maintained. Avoid sharing a taxi with strangers. Motorcycles and mopeds are common, especially in Lomé. They generally operate as taxis.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Dry harmattan winds can reduce visibility in the north during the winter, which extends from December to February.

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6. LOCAL 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 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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, do not take a picture.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

The Canadian Consulate in Lomé, Togo, is currently closed. 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; 22-85-55
Fax: 233 (21) 21-15-23; 77-37-92
E-mail: accra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.accra.gc.ca

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

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Togolese authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on July 31, 2006. However, these requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Togo and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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.

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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

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 ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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. GENERAL INFORMATION

Togo (capital: Lomé) is located in western Africa, bordered by Burkina Faso, Benin, the Bight of Benin, and Ghana. The official language is French although indigenous languages are widely spoken. Tourist facilities are limited and may be affected by chronic power shortages.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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 Medicine Program Web site.

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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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and supplies are limited. There is no emergency medical care.

Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. 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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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