Is São Tomé safe?
Very low crime and relaxed. Malaria, rough roads and heavy rain matter more than theft; petty theft from beach bags can happen.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-10-07.
- Homicide rate in Sao Tome and Principe: 3.2 per 100,000 people (2011, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Sao Tome and Principe: 27.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in São Tomé at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from beach bags and rooms, and occasional bag snatching in markets; violent crime is rare. |
| At night | Quiet after dark; stay near your hotel and take a taxi if going out late. |
| Solo women | Generally relaxed and comfortable for solo women. Usual care at night on unlit roads and isolated beaches. |
| Other risks | Malaria and dengue; Heavy rain and landslides on mountain roads; Strong currents at some beaches |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers quoting higher fares to foreigners
- Informal guides asking for fees after short walks
Take care
- Unmarked forest trails: get a guide
- Dark roads at night: potholes and unlit pedestrians
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Do not photograph the president's palace or military sites
- Collecting turtle eggs or buying turtle products is illegal
Quick answers
Is São Tomé safe for solo female travelers?
Generally relaxed and comfortable for solo women. Usual care at night on unlit roads and isolated beaches.
Is São Tomé safe at night?
Quiet after dark; stay near your hotel and take a taxi if going out late.
What is the crime rate in São Tomé?
Petty theft from beach bags and rooms, and occasional bag snatching in markets; violent crime is rare. Nationally, Sao Tome and Principe records 3.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2011).
What number do I call in an emergency in São Tomé?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
More about São Tomé
Going to São Tomé solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in São Tomé meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.