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Congratulations, you have joined an exclusive club where our number one goal is to help you build Amazing Vacation Memories. For 20 years our travel professionals have been helping put smiles on our members faces.

As a member of Travel To Go, you'll never have to worry about not getting the absolutely best price on every trip you take. In fact, WE GUARANTEE IT. So, go to bed tonight and rest easy. You've just ensured your family will be vacationing in style for the rest of their lives. As if that's not enough, you have a member's only travel team that guarantees to bring you specially negotiated 'member only' rates; rates that are so good, they cannot be shown to the general public.

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Travel To Go

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7964 Arjons Dr

San Diego, CA 92126

Dowdy Dr & Dunbrook Rd

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About the Business

Travel To Go's high purchasing power with luxury resort providers, hospitality companies and major cruise lines allows us to pass wholesale savings on to our members. Our members vacation in style at a fraction of the cost of what others normally pay because they are not paying retail rates. Whether you enjoy luxurious condos, cruising, all-inclusive resorts, 3, 4, 5-Star hotels, discounts on theme park tickets, restaurants, golf, we can accommodate all of your travel needs while saving your family money. Travel To Go currently services over 50,000 members throughout North America. We pride ourselves in delivering 5-Star customer service and are committed to the highest standards and ethics in the resort vacation industry. CST #2042061 …

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my wife and i joined travel to go back in oct. 2006. it cost several thousand to join but what we liked was the hot weeks listed each week to go to condo stays all over the usa the hot weeks showed $199 for a full well stay at a condo all over america and beyond. we used it many times for $199. well several years ago we had medical problems and stopped using it. on 7/18/23 i called them back after they kept calling us to use the service. well i was told the hot weeks were still available--not true! i did resign up on 7/18/23 but upon checking the new so called hot weeks list only showed one in mexico starting on 7/22/23. well we wouldn't go to mexico if was free. so today 7/19/23 after many calls and trying to get the right answers, which never came, we cancelled travel to go. i will say heather in the nc office tried her best to help but the service has changed for the bad!

WARNING!!! Do not buy into this company . They are the most dishonest travel agency. You book you pay $99 extra, you get to hotel they charge extra $100 or more.

Ah, the old saying "If it's too good to be true, it probably is." I should have followed this advice. We received an invitation to listen to a presentation by a travel agency, and it states we would receive free roundtrip tickets and two nights free stay at a Marriott for coming. I called and we came. The membership presentation was interesting, but I never heard of these people, and they didn't say who they were when I called, so I wanted some time to research them and see if they were who they said they were. Odd enough, when I left there, I asked for a business card, but they didn't have any...and, then we got a flimsy photocopy for our free trip gift. We knew we would pay taxes on the trip, which totaled $240 for the both of us, but in the fine print, there's also a $50 "redemption fee", then a $50 "travel agency fee" for EACH traveler, so that's $390 for a free trip. On top of that, you have to give two different dates, arrival on Mondays, and there's no information on where you can go. Simply put, this is a fraud. Don't bother to go to their presentations. Their memberships sound good, but there is just very little information you can get abou them, and their shady dealings to get you there should make anyone very suspect.

I have been a member since 2000 and have always had five-star service. Bianca, Michael, Renea, and Natasha are friendly, professional, and helpful. I have purchased airline tickets from them and have utilized their hot weeks to get great deals on very nice condos. The company has been in business for 20+ years. I agree you can find some better prices at times when you spend the time to research but this is why you have their service to save you time, and you CAN NOT beat their Hot Week specials. I know people that have time shares who have made much more upfront and pay $1000 taxes and fees. With Travel to Go you pay initially and then $200 per year. Use of their services once a year is the way to get value from this service. In addition your family and friends can use the service once you include them in the program. As for their marketing and sales, you do have three days to cancel and if you feel uncomfortable then cancel, However, if you like to travel and have flexibility in your vacation dates then Travel to Go works.

Oh god, I came across reviews for this company when I was looking for travel agencies and remembered my god-awful experience with these people--so awful that I've purged it from my mind until now. Like the others, I got pulled in by their deceptive advertising. STEVE W. would like to berate us for being greedy; No, it's called deception--pure and simple. $390 to Iowa on a Monday is not a FREE trip, Steve, . And, not being allowed to research the company before you pay is forcing you to make an uninformed decision. Those are valid complaints. I wondered why they wouldn't tell me the name of the company when I made my reservation. I guess they were afraid I would read the Yelp reviews. I have nothing more to add to what the others have said who gave this company a one or two star. None of us can speak to the services rendered after you pay your $5000-$10k membership fee, but their initial draw sure doesn't inspire much confidence.

I did not join the travel site, so I have no experience on its use. I did attend the presentation, and it was consistent with many descriptions here. A tremendous number of examples of very low priced vacations. The presentation was excellent. During the individual sales pitches after the presentation, I asked the sales person to use the website to book actual costs of a vacation to Costa Rica. I thought this was a way I could see a real quote and validate the claims of the presentation. They refused stating they did not want the travel agent to waste time booking a trip that would not be purchased. This seemed like an odd response. They did show numerous "HOT" deals on the website for what was either hotels or condos in nice areas, and the deals appeared good, usually $300-500/week. When I asked to read the contract, they provided a lot of paperwork, but the actual contract itself was kind of light. Basically it guaranteed me access to (2 or 4) weeks at (I think) condos, in exchange for roughly $6500 and $199/year maintenance. The contract itself was one page, which seemed kind of light, and it provided very little guarantees for me. For example if I pay $7k today, there is little protection for that investment. My impression, and I don't know this to be true, is that they either have access to timeshares. Instead of someone like me buying the timeshare, I can use their service and have access to many condos Worldwide. If you are interested in timeshares, this may be an excellent service and it is certainly a better investment that timeshare presentations that I have attended. It may also be an excellent service for vacations, I just could not get hard data beyond to support the presentation claims -- I was not able to independently determine if the presentation claims were typical, unusually good or fraudulent. Something that bothered me was that three times during the sales pitch, the presenters made references to the expense of priceline.com stock, insinuating that the price of the stock was proportional mark up to the consumer (and by extension since they did not mark up, because you "buy in" they were cheaper than priceline). They also stated that William Shatner has earned ~$650Million specifically on priceline customers. Finally they went as far to show me the stock price of priceline and stated how expensive the company was (and that the stock price was coming from the consumer). All of the statements were highly misleading, which made me suspicious of the honesty of the presentation. When it became obvious that I was not going to purchase, the salesman then questioned my integrity. My wife and I did receive the cruise, however it, as expected, has numerous exceptions, blackout dates, roughly $250 in misc fees and requires some administrative work prior to use. The cruise deal is cheaper than what you can find online. In short, this is not something that I think is right for my wife and I, however it may be a good choice for those interested in timeshares. It may also be a good vacation company, there was just no way for me to verify it prior to purchasing in.

I travel more now than ever before. The best part of Travel To Go is the service. We call them for condos for the family vacation and they always seem to deliver. We found the following locations like Hawaii almost impossible to find with our timeshare and they get me a week there every year. I'm impressed the location of the resorts and the quality was super cool.

Are these people out of business yet? Count your fingers after you shake on this deal.

My husband and I purchased a trial memebership with Travel to Go. I'm glad we didn't waste any more money on them in buying a full membership. We've called in to get travel booked and no one will return our calls. One time a person actually answered the phone, I explained I had been leaving messages and was not getting a call back. His response was, I know, I owe a lot of people phone calls. Oh, really? Thanks, at least I know you're not providing service to any of your customers. Travel to Go - you got our money, we've gotten no travel. AVOID THEM!

Business owner information

Jeanette B.

Business Owner

May 2, 2011

Dear Yelp & Consumer, Travel to Go is dedicated to 5-star service and would like the opportunity to help resolve any concerns or questions you may have. Please send us your contact information or reach out to us at 800-477-6331. Travel to Go is looking forward in assisting you with your next "Dream Vacation."

Everything said by everyone else is twu. Just meeting these sleezy people BEFORE the presentation tells it all. The free vacation is a joke, as others on yelp have described. Save your time for reading the Wall Street Journal or the Sunday funnies

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Travel To Go

Since 1990 Travel To Go has been successfully arranging luxurious vacation resort accommodations for the savvy vacationer worldwide. A California corporation, Travel To Go is a membership vacation services company, licensed as required by the states of California, Florida, and Hawaii. Presently, Travel To Go services a loyal customer base approaching 50,000 members. This impressive mark for a family owned and operated business can be credited to a team that prides itself on 5 star service. This year represents a celebratory milestone of 21 years in business. Travel To Go has aligned various new streamlined online processes for our members including but not limited to; upgraded websites, various membership enrollment options, greater discounts, enhanced products/services, additional supportive departments, convenient online booking engines, new inventory, profitable Member Referral Programs and environmentally safe payment/communication procedures. Meeting all requirements and maintaining an excellent rating in customer service, Travel To Go keeps membership in the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.). In addition, Sky Travel, a division of Travel To Go, is an approved travel agency licensed by the Airline Reporting Corporation (A.R.C.). Realizing that the foundation for a productive community stems from involvement, Travel To Go principals routinely support non-profit organizations and other good causes with donations of vacations and with our active participation in local and regional charitable events.

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'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then, she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing, and swimming.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel during the summer of 2024. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour, and air prices are not falling. So, if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared to last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic roundtrip airfares for summer will peak at $315 per ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 per night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are only up 3% this summer to $42 per day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are taking place in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates . which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September, which will take place in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Since this is going to be a busy one, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your airfare two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember their holiday calendar is different. For example, half of Europe shuts down during August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington State, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he added.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise he's planning on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, N.J., is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the summer games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Togo - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Togo.   Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider Travel to:

• Northern border region adjacent to Burkina Faso due to potential for  terrorism  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• Areas north of Kande due to potential for  terrorism .
• The cities of Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango due to  civil unrest .

Read the  country information page  for additional information about travel to Togo.

If you decide to travel to Togo:

• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Togo on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Togo.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Northern Border Region – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Extremist groups have carried out attacks, including kidnapping, in the northern border region of Togo, the adjacent areas of Burkina Faso, and Benin. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. The current travel policy for embassy personnel prohibits travel north of the town of Dapaong and Highway N24 or Highway N28, along with the district of Kpendjal and Kpendjal-Ouest without special authorization. Embassy personnel may not remain overnight in areas north of Mango. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

North of Kande – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Extremist groups have carried out attacks in nearby areas of Benin. Attacks may occur with little or no warning.

The Cities of Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution There is a history of violent demonstrations in Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango, during which protesters and security force members have been injured, and some killed. Police have used tear gas to disperse demonstrations that caused traffic disruptions in city centers and along National Route 1, and arrested demonstrators. Security forces have at times used force to disperse crowds. Authorities have interrupted internet and cellular data services during past protests, making communication difficult and unpredictable.

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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 [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Togolese employ an e-visa system which requires U.S. citizens to apply and pay for their visas before arrival in Togo.  Visas are no longer issued upon arrival.

The Tourist Visa (Visa touristique) is valid for up to 90 days, with prices varying depending on number of entries and the intended duration of stay.  A single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 15 days costs 25,000 West African CFA francs (FCFA), approximately $40. Among other options, fees may be paid by credit card (Mastercard, Visa). Application requirements and information on other visa types can be found here . A valid U.S. passport with validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay in Togo is required. The Togolese government recommends applying for a visa at least six days before traveling, to allow for processing time. Applications submitted less than six days prior to arrival in Togo will incur extra fees.

The U.S. Embassy will not intervene for failure to comply with entry requirements for Togo. Travelers are advised to confirm all travel requirements with the Government of Togo prior to travel. You may contact the  Togolese Embassy  in Washington, DC at 202-234-4212. The Togolese Embassy is located at 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008. 

Land borders are closed during elections in Togo and in neighboring Ghana and Benin, and may also be closed for other reasons without notice. Register with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to obtain up-to-date information on border closures.

Documentation of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all individuals entering Togo who are over one year of age. You will be turned away without the required World Health Organization yellow card with evidence of a current Yellow Fever vaccination. The U.S. Embassy will not intervene for failure to comply with this entry requirement for Togo. Visit the  CDC website  for detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions.

U.S. travelers should always carry a copy of their passport while traveling in Togo in case local officials request proof of identity and immigration status.  U.S. citizens who exercise their Togolese dual nationality by using a Togo local ID card or passport upon entry should review  limitations  on the U.S. government’s ability to provide consular protection while in Togo.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Togo.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

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
• 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 .

• 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.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

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.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. The U.S. Embassy will not intervene in private contract or family law disputes in Togo, and you must seek the recourse of the Togolese judicial system, even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information. The Government of Togo may refuse to recognize the U.S. citizenship of dual national Togolese citizens arrested in Togo.   

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers : Local law forbids “acts against nature committed with an individual of one’s sex,” widely understood to mean same-sex sexual activity. If you are convicted of engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activity, you may be imprisoned and/or fined. However, the U.S. Embassy has not witnessed Togolese prosecutions against U.S. citizens for same-sex activity to date. 

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : The Togolese government does not mandate accessibility to public or private facilities for persons with disabilities, although some buildings may have ramps and wider entrance ways.

Students : See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : Women travelling alone are encouraged to take similar precautions as they would in any large U.S. city while in the country. Travel in groups and be extra vigilant after dark, particularly in the beach and central market areas of Lomé.

See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Togo no longer requires documentation related to COVID-19 (such as proof of vaccination, negative PCR test, or antigen test when entering or exiting Togo.

However, it is recommended to passengers, when leaving Togo, to verify the current COVID-19 requirements in their destination country to ensure compliance.

Travelers aged 12 and up are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to observe health precautions.

Medical facilities and services in Togo are severely limited, including in the major cities of Lomé and Kara. The standard of care, including basic medical services, such as imaging or blood tests, is much lower than that of the United States and even neighboring Ghana. If you have a recurring or limiting medical condition that requires regular consultation or treatment by a medical professional, you should not travel to Togo.

You should carry adequate supplies of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of your prescriptions, the generic name of the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications. You may encounter shortages of routine medications, and supplies and counterfeit medications are a frequent problem.

Refer to the CDC website for  health information for travelers to Togo .

For emergency services in Togo, dial:

• Police – 117
• Gendarmerie – 172
• Fire (sapeurs pompiers) – 118
• Main Lomé Hospital Sylvanus Olympio – 22 21 25 01 (most suitable for trauma)
• Embassy’s Duty Officer – 90 25 84 78
• not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance :  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. The Togolese government does not maintain a website with prohibited medications, but usually if the medication is legal in France, it is legal in Togo.

Vaccinations :  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further Health Information :

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Health Facilities in General :

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not available.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Pharmaceuticals :

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information. 

Non-Traditional Medicine :

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Togo. Ensure that you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Water Quality :

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.  
• Do not swim or bathe in or drink fresh or brackish water in streams, rivers, waterfalls, or lakes in Togo. Both Guinea Worm and Schistosomiasis are common in Togo, and contracted primarily through exposure to fresh water, even if the body of water is fast moving or is partially salty.

Adventure Travel :

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .  
• Most adventure travel in Togo involves the ocean – swimming, whale watching, fishing, surfing, and wind surfing. Travelers coming to Togo for ocean-based recreation should use caution when engaging in these activities in a new area. The undertow is extremely strong, particularly from January to May, across the entire Bight of Benin, which includes Ghana, Benin and Togo. Water depths are variable, and water that may appear shallow near the coast can suddenly deepen due to variations in sand or wave formations. Togo has no emergency capability to respond to swimmers in distress, near drownings, or stranded or capsized vessels.

General Health :

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Travelers’ Diarrhea
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Tuberculosis
• Schistosomiasis
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – recommended mosquito repellents, and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. Travelers should carry their own mosquito repellent according to CDC recommendations. The Embassy cannot guarantee the quality and the side effects of the repellent products available locally.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Togo.

Air Quality :  Visit  Air Now Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. embassies and consulates.

The air quality in Togo varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  During the annual harmattan season, when winds blow dust in from the Sahel, followed by a subsequent burn season, when farmers routinely burn their fields, air quality can reach hazardous levels in Togo (Dec- Feb).  Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgey :

• Visit the  CDC website for information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Togo.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety :  While some major thoroughfares in urban parts of Togo are paved, most secondary streets are not. Streets, especially in Lomé, can become flooded and impassable when it rains. Driving conditions are hazardous throughout Togo due to aggressive and poorly trained drivers who are not licensed and often carry loads in excess of their vehicle’s capacity. The presence of pedestrians, bicyclists, animals on the road, swarms of motorcycles, gaping sewer holes, and deteriorating pavement make driving both inside Lomé and outside particularly hazardous. Overland travel off the main north-south road connecting Lomé to Ouagadougou and east-west road connecting Lomé to Accra and Cotonou are usually unpaved and may require four-wheel drive. Togo also has a mountainous region abutting Ghana with roads that can rise up to an altitude of 500 meters within a few kilometers of driving.

Nighttime travel in Togo is especially dangerous and never recommended, particularly on the main north-south and east-west roads that see heavy semi-truck traffic from neighboring countries day and night. Even when driving in the city, keep car doors locked and the windows up. You should be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. If you are involved in an accident, do not get out of the car if the vehicle is still drivable; instead, drive to the nearest gendarme or police precinct to report the accident. Tell other individuals involved where you are going so that they may follow. Do not attempt to negotiate the issue of damages or fault on the street without a Togo traffic officer or gendarme present.

Traffic Laws :  Many drivers in Togo do not obey traffic laws, which are rarely enforced. Traffic signals often do not function properly or are missing from major intersections. If you choose to drive in Togo, you should observe someone else drive beforehand in order to familiarize yourself with atypical driving practices, including stopping prior to entering a traffic circle.  You should be prepared for drivers who run red lights and stop signs or drive in the wrong direction on one-way streets. Driving can be chaotic, particularly in the crowded city center and in the dense neighborhoods along the Ghanaian border.

At official checkpoints, Togolese security officials prefer that you approach with your interior light on, headlights dimmed, and have your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance ready. You should carry copies of important documents, such as your passport and driver’s license, to provide to authorities rather than handing over your originals. You should never pay a bribe to the police or gendarmes for them to perform their work or to be released. Be firm and polite, and ask for permission to drive with the officer who is making the traffic stop, or trail their vehicle or motorbike, to the nearest police precinct if a resolution cannot be reached on the street. Do not let the officer enter your vehicle.

Public Transportation :  Safety standards for small, private buses and taxis are substandard. You should exercise caution when using any form of local public transportation, and avoid motorcycle-taxis when possible. Never get into a taxi with unknown passengers, and always agree on the fare before getting into the car.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight :  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Togo, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Togo’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel :  Mariners planning travel to Togo should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Togo . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Biden's message to Iran about retaliatory strike on Israel: 'Don't'

At the same time, he said he expects an Iranian attack "sooner than later."

President Joe Biden told reporters Friday afternoon he expects an Iranian strike on Israel to occur "sooner than later" amid urgent concerns that Iran was about to retaliate for the bombing of its consulate in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month.

Asked for his message to Iran in the tense moment, Biden was blunt, saying simply, "Don't."

"Would the U.S. respond?" ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce asked repeatedly as the president walked away after the end of an unrelated event. He paused, thought for a moment and then returned to the lectern.

"We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he said.

MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: Iran readies 100 cruise missiles for possible Israel strike, US says

Biden's comments come as other high-level U.S. officials worked urgently behind the scenes to pressure Iran to back down from its threat to launch a retaliatory strike -- the latest challenge facing the Biden administration as it tries to avert an all-out regional war in the Middle East.

At the same time, the U.S. was moving troops and other assets to the Middle East as Iran readied a large number of missiles and drones for a potential strike against Israel, according to U.S. officials.

The deployment of American troops was intended to try to deter Iran from launching a large-scale attack and protecting U.S. troops in the region

According to one U.S. defense official, the assets being moved to the region include both "ships and aircraft."

Two U.S. Navy destroyers already deployed in the eastern Mediterranean are equipped with the Aegis combat system, which can protect troops in the region from ballistic defense missiles.

Two U.S. officials said that Iran has readied more than a hundred cruise missiles for a possible strike.

Some 3,400 US troops are in Iraq and Syria with tens of thousands more U.S. personnel in the Middle East region.

Late Friday, as he boarded Air Force One, when asked if he was concerned about Iran killing Americans, Biden told reporters "I’m always afraid of that."

Earlier Friday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the administration was monitoring the situation "very, very closely," and that while its top priority was ensuring Israel is able to defend itself from a potential Iranian attack, the U.S was also "doing everything we can to protect our people and our facilities."

"It would be imprudent if we didn't take a look at our own posture in the region, to make sure that we're properly prepared as well," he said.

In a sign of how seriously the U.S. views the risk of escalation, the Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, had "moved up" a previously scheduled trip to Israel to meet with senior Israeli military leaders "due to recent developments."

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke by phone with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday afternoon "to discuss the current situation in the Middle East and to reaffirm the U.S.'s ironclad commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies," according to Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary.

MORE: US believes Iran could attack Israeli assets in coming days, with potential to escalate war in the region

Although the U.S. does not have direct diplomatic ties to Iran, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had been working the phones with his counterparts in countries that do -- encouraging them to use their influence to dissuade Iran from taking military action in response to the consulate bombing.

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In his conversations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Blinken made clear "that escalation is not in anyone's interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate," according to Miller.

U.S. officials previously told ABC News that the administration believes Iran could retaliate against Israel in the coming days -- potentially using drones and missiles to attack "regional assets" -- and that information about the threat has been shared with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

At a White House news conference on Wednesday, President Biden said Iran was "threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel" and that he had assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. commitment to his country's security was "ironclad."

"We're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," he said.

MORE: Pentagon says Israel conducted strike against Iran in Syria

While officials say they still believe Iran may could change course, the State Department announced it had placed new restrictions on U.S. personnel in Israel on Thursday, prohibiting employees and their family members from undertaking personal travel outside of the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be'er Sheva areas until further notice.

According to a travel alert from the department, the limits were imposed "out of an abundance of caution." Miller declined to speak to any specific security assessments that motivated the change in policy but acknowledged Iran's vow for revenge.

"Clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel, and that's what led us to give that warning to our employees and their family members and to make it public so all U.S. citizens who either live in Israel or traveling there are aware of it," he said.

The renewed concern over a widening conflict in the Middle East was sparked by a strike on an Iranian facility in Syria that Tehran says was carried out by Israel and killed 12 people, including Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior leader in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Although Israel has attacked a number of targets linked to Iran in recent years, primarily as part of its efforts to disrupt arms transfers to Hezbollah and other proxy groups in the region, the Israeli military has not taken credit for the incident in Damascus, which occurred on April 1.

ABC News' Molly Nagle contributed to this report.

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Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News'  latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv  — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.  

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent. 

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday. 

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces." 

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

• Middle East
• Benjamin Neta​nyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

• Share full article

By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Dozens of Israelis and Palestinians were wounded  after an Israeli teenager's disappearance led to riots in the West Bank. Israeli forces later found the boy’s corpse, and the military said, without providing evidence, that he had been “murdered in a terrorist attack.”

A coalition of a dozen liberal organizations and labor unions sent a letter to the White House demanding that Biden end military aid to Israel until it lifts restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza , the latest indicator of shifting mainstream Democratic opinion on the war.

The Israeli military announced what it called a precise operation to kill members of Hamas in Gaza , a day after a strike there killed three sons  of one of the most senior leaders of the group.

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

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