Togo Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Togo
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated March 9, 2026
Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for Togo. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Togo at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
N/A
Safety Rank
N/A
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
N/A
Armed Conflict Context
Togo has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
46(2024)
Military Spending
2.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Togo:
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.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Togo
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated July 31, 2025).
Terrorism
: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or focused on vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
: Street crime is a serious problem, and violent crime happens on a regular basis. Muggings and purse snatchings are known to occur along the beach at night and even during the day. Be aware of your surroundings, do not display large amounts of cash in public, avoid unlit areas at night, keep your car locked at all times, do not resist, and willingly hand over your possessions. The police and the military actively patrol the Ghana border due to higher crime levels. Although the border is open 24 hours, it should be avoided after dark.
Vehicle Searches
: At official checkpoints during night patrols, Togolese security officials prefer that you approach with your interior light on, headlights dimmed, and have your driver’s license and ID card ready. Police may inspect your car and look through the windows. Avoid giving your original passport to the police when possible. Solicitations for money or food should be ignored.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Togo. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Money transfers Lucrative sales Contracts with promises of large commissions Inheritance notices Work permits/job offersBank overpayments
Victims of Crime
: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 117 and contact the U.S. Embassy at + (228) 22-61-54-70 and after hours at +(228) 90 25 84 78. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States . Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Local law does not specifically address domestic violence, and police generally do not intervene in abusive situations.
Tourism
Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not easily accessible in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
Maritime Security
: Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea continue to trend upwards. Pirates/armed groups operating in the region typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship’s property continue to be common occurrences.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Togo Population & Demographics
Population of 9,515,236, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Togo safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Togo at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include health.
What is the crime rate in Togo?
Reliable homicide statistics are not currently available for Togo.
What is the US travel advisory level for Togo?
Togo is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).