Africa
Sao Tome and Principe
Two tiny volcanic islands off Gabon with rainforest, cocoa plantations and empty beaches. Slow, cheap and quiet, but few flights, little infrastructure, and Portuguese is the main language.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa56 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencySTNUS$1 ≈ Db21.77Details
- Price level61%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English1/5Rare
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; tap supply is unreliable and untreated in many villages.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalDecriminalised in 2012; attitudes are relaxed but conservative, and there are no visible venues, so travellers should be discreet.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are rarely checked, but an IDP is advised; roads on the north side are mostly paved, elsewhere rough.
Where to go in Sao Tome and Principe
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São ToméCapital city | 4/5 | $1,010–1,840 | Jun–Sep | 65/100 |
When to visit Sao Tome and Principe
The dry season (gravana), June-September, is the best time for hiking and beaches. October-May is hot and rainy, with the heaviest rain February-May.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities can enter visa-free or apply online for an e-visa; check eligibility with the embassy before booking.
- Passport must be valid for six months; carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.
- A yellow fever certificate is required when arriving from a risk country.
- Flights connect via Lisbon (TAP), Luanda, Libreville and Accra; schedules are thin and cancellations are common.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Do not photograph the president's palace or military sites
- Collecting turtle eggs or buying turtle products is illegal
Etiquette
- Greet people warmly; a slow pace is normal
- Ask before photographing people
- Respect plantation workers' homes and private land
Tipping
Not expected; rounding up or giving a few euros for guides and drivers is appreciated.
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.