Warden Message

Warden Message about Security!   

U.S. Embassy – Lomé
December 18, 2008 


This Warden Message is being issued to remind U.S. citizen travelers and residents in Togo of the need to exercise caution and common sense, and to practice good personal security during the holiday season.  The U.S. Embassy recently released to its staff the following advice about staying safe during the holidays.  We share it with you for your information, and in the hope it will be of assistance.
Unfortunately the holiday season historically brings an increase in crime.  This is a worldwide phenomenon and covers a broad spectrum of criminal behavior.  As a rule, Americans should exercise caution when traveling to remote areas or in the presence of large crowds.  In and around Lomé, there has been an alarming increase in car-jacking and muggings.  Americans must be watchful for fraudulent highway checkpoints–there have already been three such incidents involving armed bandits outside of Lomé–and, within Lomé city limits, take all possible precautions against car-jacking.  When out and about, keep your doors locked and your windows up.  If possible, avoid driving outside city limits after dark and avoid walking on city streets after dusk, particularly in the Grand Marche area.
In case of emergency, or to report an attack or suspicious behavior, please contact the U.S. Embassy 24 hours a day at (228) 261-5470. Embassy hours for American Citizens Services are Monday through Thursday from 13:30 to 15:30. The Embassy is located at Boulevard Eyadema. B.P. 852, Lomé.  In case of an emergency, U.S. Citizens may come to the Embassy’s consular section during any hours of operation or call the Embassy at 228-261-5470. For routine visa, passport, notarial questions, etc., please e-mail Consularlome@state.gov  or visit http://togo.usembassy.gov/index.html.

Registering with the U.S. Embassy
The cornerstone of our efforts to keep the American traveling public aware of problems threatening their safety and security is our Consular Information Program.  Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.  Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  You may register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ or by appearing in person at the American Citizens Services unit of the U.S. Embassy in Lomé.