São Tomé
and Príncipe

The Land of Cocoa
and Tranquil Isles

São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off Africa’s west coast, is celebrated for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Home to iconic sites like São Tomé’s Obo National Park, Príncipe’s Roça Sundy, and the Ilhéu das Rolas, the country offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The country’s geography includes tropical forests, volcanic peaks, and sandy shores.

São Toméan and Príncipean culture combines African, Portuguese, and Creole influences, reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine like calulu (fish stew) and breadfruit dishes. Known for its untouched nature and warm hospitality, São Tomé and Príncipe is a tropical paradise for nature lovers and cultural adventurers.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into São Tomé and Príncipe.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from São Tomé and Príncipe.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from several nations, including most EU countries, the US, Canada, and some African nations, can enter São Tomé and Príncipe with a valid passport and stay for up to 15 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering São Tomé and Príncipe, either through an embassy or the e-Visa system.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) can enter São Tomé and Príncipe without an additional visa.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) can enter without a São Tomé and Príncipe visa.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK can enter without a visa.

ID Card Entry

  • No countries are permitted to enter São Tomé and Príncipe using only a national ID card. A passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 15 days within a 180-day period for eligible countries unless extended.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.
Toll

Driving in São Tomé and Príncipe

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe has no official toll roads. Major routes like the São Tomé-Santo António road are publicly funded, and tolls are not currently in place.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the São Tomé and Príncipe Road Authority.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 110 km/h
  • Road conditions: Poor outside major towns like São Tomé and Santo António; unpaved, narrow, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (October to May). Exercise caution, particularly on rural routes.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a São Tomé and Príncipe driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: São Tomé and Príncipe has no vignette system, but road taxes or informal checkpoints may apply—check locally.
  • Road Safety: Remain vigilant due to poor road maintenance, aggressive drivers, and livestock on roads. Avoid night driving outside urban areas due to limited lighting and hazards.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable outside urban areas; keep an updated physical map as a backup, especially in rural and island regions.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, and fire).

Useful Links

São Tomé and Príncipe Currency

The official currency of São Tomé and Príncipe is the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 STN
  • Coins: 10, 20, 50 cêntimos; 1, 2 STN
  • Symbol: Db

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, São Tomé International Airport, and major hotels in São Tomé city.
  • ATMs are limited but available in São Tomé for direct STN withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may be accepted).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and some businesses in São Tomé city.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
  • Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe website: https://www.bcstp.st/en/exchange-rates
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in São Tomé and Príncipe

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in São Tomé and Príncipe, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or historical issues, especially related to colonialism or government policies.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
  • Photography: Restricted near government buildings, military sites, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the São Tomé and Príncipe Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated on major beaches like Praia das Conchas and Praia Lagarto.

Key Resources

São Tomé and Príncipe Travel Safety

São Tomé and Príncipe is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites in São Tomé city. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: São Tomé and Príncipe is considered safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Avoid isolated areas at night.

Road Safety

  • Driving can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads and poor rural conditions.
  • Avoid night driving outside urban areas due to limited lighting and road hazards.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, though enforcement is limited.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies (for long-term stays), and COVID-19.
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against malaria and dengue.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 2,024 meters (Pico de São Tomé).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes in São Tomé offer basic care. Rural areas and Príncipe island often lack advanced facilities.
  • Pharmacies: Available in São Tomé city; stock essential medications, but supplies can be limited.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 112 | Fire: 112 | Police: 112.
  • Tourist Police (São Tomé): +239 222 2222.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural or mountainous areas on São Tomé or Príncipe. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Pico de São Tomé or Obo National Park).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or government-related issues.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor humidity during wet seasons (October to May).

Key Links

Flying to São Tomé and Príncipe

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