Sub Saharan Africa

São Tomé & Principe

Still current at: 03 December 2008

Updated: 02 December 2008

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Crime rates in São Tomé & Principe are generally low, but burglaries and armed robberies do occur.  Beware of pickpockets, particularly at the beach.  Take sensible precautions.  Safeguard valuables and cash.  Deposit them in a hotel safe, where practical.  Keep copies of important documents, including passports, separately.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

São Tomé & Principe Country Profile

São Tomé & Principe is generally peaceful.  Economic difficulties and political rows over the handling of investments in the islands’ development occasionally lead to civil unrest.  You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings.

Local Travel

Seats on the small aircraft that operate between the main island of São Tomé and the smaller island of Principe need to be booked well in advance or there is a risk that you could become stranded.  On São Tomé, there are shared taxis but no other public transport in São Tomé & Principe.

Road Travel

 

You should bring a valid International Driving Licence if you wish to hire a car.

Traffic is light but the majority of roads are in poor condition, particularly outside the capital.  Most roads are unlit.  You should avoid being on the road at night (there are animals on the roads) and during periods of heavy rainfall (landslips and mudslides can occur).

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel: http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Drug smuggling and taking are offences.  Punishments can be severe.

 

It is our understanding that homosexual practices are illegal. 

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Visas

 

British nationals require a visa to enter São Tomé & Principe.  This should be obtained before travel as problems can occur should you arrive without the necessary documentation.

 

Visa enquiries should be directed to the nearest São Tomé Diplomatic Mission in Brussels: Square Montgomery, 175 Avenue de Tervuren, 1150 Brussels; Tel: +32 2 734 89 66; Telefax: (+32) (2) 7348815; E-mail: ambassade.sao.tome@skynet.be.  Specialist travel agents dealing with São Tomé & Principe may also be able to arrange visas.

 

Passport validity

 

Passports should be valid for the duration of your visa to São Tomé.

 

Yellow Fever Certificate

 

You need a valid Yellow Fever certificate to enter São Tomé & Principe.

 

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the São Tomé Diplomatic Mission in Brussels: Square Montgomery, 175 Avenue de Tervuren, 1150 Brussels; Tel: +32 2 734 89 66; Telefax: (+32) (2) 7348815; E-mail: ambassade.sao.tome@skynet.be.

Medical facilities on São Tomé & Principe are limited and many health conditions would require evacuation to Europe, South Africa or Gabon for treatment.  You should therefore ensure that your insurance covers this.

There are frequent outbreaks of cholera. You should observe routine food and hygiene measures.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to São Tomé & Principe and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical evacuation.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Representation
 
There is no British Embassy in São Tomé & Principe.  São Tomé & Principe is covered from the British Embassy in Luanda, Angola.
 
Money
 
Credit cards are accepted in a very limited number of places.  You should confirm with the hotel, restaurant etc that they will accept your card before incurring expenditure.  There are no ATMs.  Cash is available from the main bank in São Tomé with a visa card. Travellers’ cheques can also be exchanged there but are not generally accepted elsewhere.

In an emergency it may be possible to remit funds in an emergency via Western Union. Their website lists details of their agency on São Tomé.  You are strongly advised to check the latest position with your travel agent/tour company prior to travel, and to carry sufficient cash.