Africa
Is Sao Tome and Principe safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Sao Tome and Principe safe?
Calm and low-crime, with friendly locals. Main concerns are petty theft in the capital, malaria and poor medical care.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-10-07.
- Homicide rate: 3.2 per 100,000 people (2011, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 27.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally comfortable for solo women; avoid isolated beaches at night and expect curiosity rather than hostility.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Malaria year-round
- Strong currents on many beaches
- Very limited emergency medical care
- Rough forest trails and slippery roads in rainy season
Laws visitors break by accident
- Do not photograph the president's palace or military sites
- Collecting turtle eggs or buying turtle products is illegal
Safety by place in Sao Tome and Principe
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| São Tomé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Sao Tome and Principe safe for tourists?
Calm and low-crime, with friendly locals. Main concerns are petty theft in the capital, malaria and poor medical care.
Is Sao Tome and Principe safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women; avoid isolated beaches at night and expect curiosity rather than hostility.
What is the emergency number in Sao Tome and Principe?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Sao Tome and Principe
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.