Sao Tome and Principe
Remote, unspoilt and amazingly safe, the island nation of Sao Tome and Príncipe is a land of emerald-green rainforests and golden-sand beaches. Ecotourists in particular will enjoy the breath-taking volcanic peaks and underwater caves that make this the perfect destination for a tropical holiday.
The country’s two archipelagos form Africa’s second-smallest country and were both uninhabited before the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century. Today, their cultural history is partly preserved through the distinctive architecture of the colonial capital, Sao Tome, and the fortress museum at Sao Sebastiao, which has some lovely colonial art and religious artefacts. The Portuguese-Creole culture is worth savouring, too, as is the delicious seafood, fresh fruit, and world-class coffee. It’s also worth spending time at the colourful Sao Tome market, or one of the many old plantations.
Visitors can trek through well-preserved rainforests and explore waterfalls, lap up the sun on a glorious coastline, or dive and snorkel in turquoise waters. They can also appreciate the islands’ natural biodiversity by doing some bird-watching, or by visiting the turtle-nesting grounds at Obo National Park and the Boca do Inferno Blowhole.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is Portuguese, and French is widely spoken, along with local languages.
- Passport/Visa:
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
Credit cards are accepted in a very limited number of places; travellers should confirm with the hotel or restaurant in question. There are a limited number of ATMs, but cash is available from the main bank in Sao Tome if travellers are using a Visa card. It’s best to carry sufficient cash.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in Sao Tome and Principe is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug and Schuko two-pin.
Health Notes when travelling to Sao Tome and Principe
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, measles-mumps-rubella, and tetanus are all recommended as pre-travel immunisations; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Schistosomiasis may be acquired through contact with contaminated water, and travellers are advised to avoid swimming, wading, or rafting in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers.
Malaria is not as common a concern as it once was in Sao Tome, though visitors are still advised to take precautions, including insect repellent, netting, and antimalarial tablets. It is recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, hats, and closed shoes in forested areas to prevent tick bites. Rabid dogs are commonly found, so visitors should consider a rabies vaccination before their trip, especially if their activities mean they will be around dogs or wildlife
Medical facilities in Sao Tome and Príncipe are extremely limited, and serious medical problems will require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities. It is also recommended that travellers carry a personal supply of basic first aid and antibiotics.
Safety Notes when travelling to Sao Tome and Principe
Crime rates are generally low, but burglaries and armed robberies do occur. Travellers should be cautious with cash and valuables, especially at the beach, and should keep copies of important documents such as passports in a hotel safe.
Customs in Sao Tome and Principe
Manners are important to locals, so it’s important to greet and ask after someone’s health and family in social encounters. Older men and women are customarily treated with respect, especially if they have many children and grandchildren. Drug smuggling and the use of drugs for recreation are are offences that attract severe punishments; same sex relationships are legal, though public displays of affection between gay partners may not be well received.
Duty Free in Sao Tome and Principe
Visitors to Sao Tome and Príncipe may import a reasonable quantity of tobacco and perfume for personal use. Alcoholic beverages and lottery tickets are prohibited.
Doing Business in Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe has small markets, poor infrastructure, high transportation costs, and a lack of trained personnel and entrepreneurs, so opportunities to do business in the country may be limited. However, a general strategy to enter the market would include visiting the country, finding and developing a relationship with a good partner, and using agents.
Communication in Sao Tome and Principe
The country code for Sao Tome and Principe is +239, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards; public WiFi is non-existing or very slow.
Tipping in Sao Tome and Principe
Tipping is at the customer’s discretion, though five percent goes a long way locally.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
A passport is required for US travellers and must be valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 15 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
A passport is required for Canadian travellers and must be valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 15 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A passport is required for UK travellers and must be valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 15 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
A passport is required for Australian travellers, along with a visa. No visa is required for passengers with a visa issued by USA or a Schengen Member State together with a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the arrival date for a maximum stay of 15 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
A passport is required from Irish travellers and must be valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 15 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A passport is required for visitors from New Zealand, along with a visa. No visa required for passengers with a visa issued by USA or a Schengen Member State together with a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the arrival date for a maximum stay of 15 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
A passport is required for South African travellers, along with a visa. No visa required for passengers with a visa issued by USA or a Schengen Member State together with a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the arrival date for a maximum stay of 15 days.
Sao Tome and Principe Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe, New York, United States: +001 317 0644.
- In Canada:
Honorary Consulate of São Tome and Príncipe, Montreal, Canada: +001 514 989 0395
- In the United Kingdom:
Honorary Consulate of Sao Tome and Principe, London, United Kingdom: +44 208 877 9186
- In Australia:
South African High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Sao Tome and Principe): +27 12 342 4222.
Foreign Embassies in Sao Tome and Principe
- American Embassy
Embassy of U.S., Libreville, Gabon (also responsible for Sao Tome and Principe): +241 01 45 7100
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria (also responsible for Sao Tome and Principe): +011 234 9 461 2900
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Luanda, Angola (also responsible for Sao Tome and Principe): +244 222 334 583
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Sâo Tomé, Sao Tome and Principe: + 239 225 733.
Public Holidays Around the World
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