Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Togo
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 12 May 1993 17:43:05 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Togo
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Togo - Cancellation
 May 11, 1993

The Travel Warning for Togo dated February 3, 1993, is canceled.  
Lome is currently calm although the potential for further violence 
exists.  Additional information can be found in the Department of 
State's Consular Information Sheet on Togo.

Togo - Consular Information Sheet
 May 11, 1993

Country Description:  Togo is a small West African nation.  Its 
economy is not fully developed.  Tourism facilities are limited, 
especially outside the capital city.

Areas of Instability:  Togo has undergone two years of political 
transition to democracy.  This period has been punctuated by 
periodic outbreaks of violence and general strikes.  An unlimited 
general strike has been in effect since mid-November 1992, and has 
crippled the commercial sector, closed schools and badly affected 
government operations.  A curfew is in effect and is strongly 
enforced in Lome and some provincial cities.  Tensions are expected 
to remain high throughout the country as Togo moves toward 
presidential and legislative elections scheduled for June and July 
1993.  This atmosphere of insecurity and the potential for violence 
are expected to continue for an indefinite period.

Togo/Ghana Border Closing:  The government of Togo has closed the 
border to Ghana, except for those travelers with a permit 
(laissez-passer).  U.S. citizens desiring a permit may address 
themselves to the Ministry of the Interior in Lome.  A passport and 
supporting evidence of need to travel from Togo to Ghana are 
required when applying for the permit.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  No visa is required 
for a stay of less than three months.  Yellow fever and cholera 
vaccinations are required.  Further information regarding entry 
requirements can be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 
2208 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008.  The 
telephone number is (202) 234-4212.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Togo are limited under 
normal conditions and are severely degraded because of the 
continuing general strike, the departure of medical personnel, and 
the closure or reduction of service in clinics and hospitals.  Some 
medicines are available through local pharmacies.  Doctors and 
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United 
States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and 
emergency evacuation coverage has proved to be useful.  Information 
on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease 
Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime, including pickpocketing has 
increased.  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be 
reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy 
or consulate.  The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips For 
Travelers To Sub-Saharan Africa," provide useful information on 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in 
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.  
20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  In Togo, the penalties for 
possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly 
enforced.  Convicted offenders may expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within Togo.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection 
of Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, in the capital city of 
Lome.  The mailing address is B.P. 852; the telephone numbers are 
(228) 21-29-91/92/93/94.

 No. 93-116

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued March 1, 1993, 
to cancel the Travel Warning of February 3, 1993, to provide new 
information on the Togo/Ghana border closure and to note the 
crippling effects of the ongoing general strike throughout the 
country.