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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Togo International Parental Child Abduction Information

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Togo International Parental Child Abduction Information

Togo

Togo
Togolese Republic
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

There was no change to the advisory level. The "health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

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.

Advisory summary

  • 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.

Risks in specific areas

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Northern border region near Burkina Faso

Do Not Travel to the Northern border region near Burkina Faso due to risk of terrorism and kidnapping.

Armed groups have carried out attacks, including kidnappings, in the northern border region of Togo. Attacks have occurred in areas near Burkina Faso and Benin.

  • Attacks may occur with little or no warning.
  • The Savanes region is under a state of emergency.
  • Foreigners must have special authorization from the Government of Togo to travel in the Savanes.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Areas north of Kande

Do Not Travel to areas north of Kande due to risk of terrorism.

Armed groups have carried out attacks in Benin, close to this area. Attacks may occur with little or no warning.

If you decide to travel to Togo:           

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the  Country Security Report for Togo.
  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Give your itinerary to a family member or friend.
  • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa. Leave originals in your hotel safe.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Togo. 
  • Whether you are a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Lomé

4332 Boulevard Eyadema,
Cité OUA, B.P.852
Lomé, Togo
Telephone: +(228) 22-61-54-70
Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(228) 22-61-54-70
Fax: +(228) 22-61-54-99

For information concerning travel to Togo, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Togo.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

Togo is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Togo and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Togo and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances. 

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction.  For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child.  The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website: ChildAbduction.state.gov
Email: AfricaIPCA@state.gov

Parental child abduction is a crime in Togo. 

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court.  Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information. 

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Togo and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States.   Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy in Togo for information and possible assistance.

Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Togo are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy in Lome, Togo posts list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Matrimonial judges, or the Court of the Child, provide mediation services for married and unmarried parents, respectively.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: March 31, 2021

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Lomé
4332 Boulevard Eyadema,
Cité OUA, B.P.852
Lomé, Togo
Telephone
+(228) 22-61-54-70
Emergency
+(228) 22-61-54-70
Fax
+(228) 22-61-54-99
Email
Consularlome@state.gov
Website
https://tg.usembassy.gov/embassy/lome/

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