Lome Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Lome.
Healthcare System
Lomé's healthcare system is basic with limited resources. Public hospitals are under-equipped and understaffed, while private clinics offer better service but at higher costs. Serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to Ghana, Europe, or South Africa.
Hospitals
Main facilities for tourists include CHU Sylvanus Olympio (public teaching hospital), Clinique Biasa (private), and Polyclinique Internationale Saint Joseph (private). Private clinics are recommended for non-emergency care. Payment is typically required upfront, often in cash.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Lomé, marked with green crosses. Many common medications are available, though quality and authenticity can be questionable. Bring prescription medications from home with proper documentation. Pharmacie de l'Etoile and Pharmacie du 30 Août are reputable options.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000) is essential. Ensure your policy covers emergency evacuation to Accra, Ghana or further afield, as local facilities cannot handle serious medical emergencies.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications you may need for your entire stay
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in both English and French
- Identify your nearest suitable medical facility upon arrival
- Keep your insurance company's 24-hour emergency number readily accessible
- For serious conditions, consider immediate evacuation to Accra, Ghana (about 2 hours away) which has better facilities
- Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid ice in drinks
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended items occur regularly, especially targeting tourists who appear wealthy or distracted.
Motorcycle taxis are a common form of transport but accidents are frequent due to poor road conditions, lack of safety equipment, and reckless driving.
Poor road conditions, inadequate street lighting, unmarked hazards, and erratic driving behavior contribute to frequent traffic accidents.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and other gastrointestinal illnesses are common due to contaminated food and water.
Strong currents and undertows along Lomé's beaches are dangerous, and there are typically no lifeguards present. Beach theft also occurs.
Malaria is endemic throughout Togo year-round, with dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses also present.
Occasional political protests and demonstrations occur, which can turn confrontational or violent without warning.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as police officers or government officials stop tourists and demand to see documents, then claim there are problems requiring immediate payment of fines or bribes.
Taxi and zémidjan drivers quote inflated prices to tourists or claim meters are broken, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Locals befriend tourists quickly, build trust over days, then request money for emergencies, business opportunities, or to visit the tourist's home country.
Unofficial guides approach tourists at markets or attractions offering services, then demand excessive payment or lead tourists to shops where they receive commissions on purchases.
Street money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or switch agreed amounts.
Taxi drivers or touts claim your booked hotel is closed, full, or dangerous, then take you to an alternative where they receive commission and you pay inflated rates.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs during daylight hours at banks or secure locations, preferably with someone accompanying you
- Carry only what you need for the day and leave excess cash and valuables in hotel safe
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch under clothing for important documents
- Be discreet when handling money; count cash in private, not on the street
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi companies or hotel-arranged transport, especially at night
- Avoid traveling between cities after dark due to poor road conditions and security risks
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving in the city
- If using zémidjan, photograph the driver's license plate and share with someone
- Be extremely cautious at night; poorly lit roads and unmarked hazards are common
- Avoid overloaded vehicles and those in poor mechanical condition
Accommodation
- Choose hotels with good security, including guards and secure entrances
- Keep your room locked at all times and use additional security devices if available
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel staff
- Store valuables in room safe or hotel security box
- Know the location of emergency exits in your hotel
- Keep emergency contact numbers and your hotel's address in French readily available
Personal Security
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in quiet or poorly lit areas
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or phones unnecessarily
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately
- Learn basic French phrases for emergencies and common situations
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information accessible
- Carry a charged phone with important numbers saved and local emergency contacts
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid appearing distracted by phones or maps
Health Precautions
- Complete all recommended vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before travel (Yellow Fever is mandatory)
- Take malaria prophylaxis as prescribed by your doctor for your entire stay
- Apply insect repellent regularly, especially during dawn and dusk
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Only drink bottled water and use it for brushing teeth
- Avoid raw foods, salads, and unpeeled fruits unless you can verify washing practices
- Seek medical attention promptly for any fever, severe diarrhea, or unusual symptoms
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside tourist areas
- Always ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or government buildings
- Respect local customs and religious practices; Lomé has both Christian and Muslim populations
- Learn basic greetings in French; politeness is highly valued
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Don't photograph military installations, airports, government buildings, or police
- Be patient and flexible; concepts of time and scheduling may differ from Western norms
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling relatively safe in Lomé compared to other West African capitals, though street harassment and unwanted attention can occur. Solo female travelers should take standard precautions and may experience verbal harassment or catcalling, particularly from moped taxi drivers. Most local women dress conservatively, and foreign women who do the same typically receive more respect and less unwanted attention.
- Dress conservatively covering shoulders, chest, and knees to minimize unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted taxi services instead
- Be firm and assertive when declining unwanted offers or attention; don't feel obligated to be overly polite
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring and mentioning a husband to deter persistent advances
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with good security and female-friendly reputations
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers and explore safely
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Keep hotel staff informed of your plans and expected return times
- Connect with other female travelers through online communities for current safety insights
- Carry a phone with emergency contacts and your hotel's number readily accessible
- Be aware that solo dining in the evening may attract more attention; hotel restaurants are safer options
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in Togo, unlike some neighboring countries, but there are no legal protections against discrimination. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and LGBTQ+ rights are not protected by law.
- Exercise extreme discretion; avoid public displays of affection regardless of gender
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity openly with strangers or casual acquaintances
- Be cautious on dating apps; there have been reports of entrapment and extortion schemes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance through international travel networks
- Be aware that hotel staff may react negatively to same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Avoid LGBTQ+-specific venues or gatherings as they may attract negative attention or police scrutiny
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel communities for current, specific advice before traveling
- Have a cover story ready if questioned about traveling companions or relationships
- Be prepared for conservative attitudes and potentially offensive comments; prioritize your safety over confrontation
- Consider travel insurance that doesn't discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity
- Keep emergency contact information for your embassy readily available
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Lomé due to limited medical facilities, high evacuation costs, and potential for accidents or illness. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-$100,000+, and local hospitals require upfront payment. Without adequate insurance, a serious medical emergency could be financially devastating and potentially life-threatening if evacuation cannot be arranged.
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