Sao Tome & Príncipe travel advice

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About Aarsal Travels travel advice

The Aarsal Travels travel safety team provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about Aarsal Travels travel advice. 

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of São Tomé and Príncipe’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in São Tomé and Príncipe set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy in Brussels, or email the São Tomé and Príncipe authorities. 

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can visit São Tomé and Príncipe for tourism for a period of up to 15 days without a visa.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the São Tomé and Príncipe government’s entry requirements. 

Border control 

You must pay a 20-euro entry fee when you arrive in the country. You can also pay in US dollars or local currency.

Vaccine requirements

To enter São Tomé and Príncipe, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s São Tomé and Príncipe guide.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of São Tomé and Príncipe. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. 

Terrorism in São Tomé and Príncipe 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in São Tomé and Príncipe, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Economic difficulties and political rows over the handling of investments in São Tomé and Príncipe’s development can occasionally lead to civil unrest. 

Crime 

The crime rate in São Tomé and Príncipe is generally low, but burglaries and armed robberies can happen. You can take steps to reduce your risk and help protect your belongings, including: 

• not wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash 
• not taking valuables to the beach 
• keeping valuable documents somewhere secure, such as a hotel safe 

Laws and cultural differences 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe. Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Money 

Credit cards are not widely accepted in São Tomé and Príncipe. Check if your hotel or restaurant accepts credit cards. There are only a small number of ATMs. You can withdraw cash from the main bank in the capital city, São Tomé. 

Transport risks

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in São Tomé and Príncipe, see information on driving abroad. 

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. 

Road conditions 

Many roads are in poor condition and unlit, particularly outside the capital. Animals often walk on roads at night. Landslides after heavy rain can block roads. 

Public transport 

Taxis and motorbike taxis (‘motoqueiros’) are the only forms of public transport. They are often unsafe and in poor condition. It’s common for people to share taxis.

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in São Tomé and Príncipe that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 222 22 22 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for São Tomé and Príncipe 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in São Tomé and Príncipe 

Medical facilities on São Tomé and Príncipe are limited and many health conditions need evacuation to Europe, South Africa, Ghana or Gabon for treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

Travel and mental health 

Read Aarsal Travels guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. 

The Aarsal Travels travel safety team cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in São Tomé and Príncipe 

Ambulance: 222 22 22 

Fire: 112 

Police: 113 or 222 22 22 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from Aarsal Travels 

Aarsal Travels has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• dealing with a death abroad 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime 
• what to do if you’re in hospital 
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting Aarsal Travels 

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK

You can call Aarsal Travels in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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