São Tomé and Príncipe Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Healthcare System
São Tomé and Príncipe has a basic public healthcare system with limited resources, outdated equipment, and frequent shortages of medications and supplies. The main hospital is Hospital Ayres de Menezes in São Tomé city, with smaller clinics on Príncipe island and in rural areas.
Hospitals
Hospital Ayres de Menezes is the primary facility for tourists. Some upscale hotels and resorts have small medical clinics or on-call doctors. For serious conditions, medical evacuation is necessary. The island of Príncipe has even more limited facilities than São Tomé.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias) exist in São Tomé city but have limited stock and frequent shortages. Bring all prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications may be unavailable or expired. The main pharmacy is Farmácia Central in São Tomé city.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $100,000) is absolutely essential and strongly recommended by all embassies. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-100,000+.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and all medications you might need for your entire trip
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in Portuguese if possible
- Know your blood type and any allergies
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for assistance with medical emergencies
- Consider arranging evacuation insurance that covers transport to Portugal or South Africa
- Bring supplies like bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and rehydration salts
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur occasionally, particularly targeting tourists. Theft from hotel rooms and beaches is also reported, though not common.
Malaria is endemic throughout São Tomé and Príncipe year-round, with risk in all areas. This is the most significant health risk for travelers.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Risks include typhoid, hepatitis A, cholera, and parasitic infections from contaminated water and food.
Poor road conditions, lack of street lighting, pedestrians and animals on roads, and variable driving standards create accident risks.
Strong currents, riptides, and occasional shark sightings pose risks. Limited lifeguard services and rescue capabilities.
Dengue is present and transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes, particularly during rainy seasons.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers, market vendors, and some tour operators charge significantly higher prices to foreign tourists, sometimes 3-5 times the local rate.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services, then demand excessive payment or add unexpected fees for 'special access' or transportation.
Informal money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand, miscounting, or counterfeit bills.
Individuals claim to represent schools, churches, or community projects and request donations, but money doesn't reach intended recipients.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Keep photocopies of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases - English is not widely spoken
- Carry small bills as change is often unavailable
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone
- Be aware that ATMs are limited and frequently out of service - bring sufficient euros or dollars
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Keep money in multiple locations on your person
- ATMs are scarce and unreliable - bring backup cash in euros
- Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels
- Don't leave belongings unattended on beaches or in vehicles
Transportation
- Arrange airport transfers through your hotel in advance
- Use only official taxis or hotel-arranged transportation
- Avoid shared minibuses (candongueiros) if possible due to overcrowding and poor maintenance
- Never drive after dark due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Rental cars are expensive and limited - book well in advance
- Always wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly secured
Health Precautions
- Begin malaria prophylaxis before arrival and continue as directed
- Get vaccinated for yellow fever (required), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus
- Bring insect repellent with at least 30% DEET
- Pack a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics if prescribed
- Drink only bottled water and avoid ice
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid raw foods and unpasteurized dairy products
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (CST Telemoveis is the main provider)
- Internet can be slow and unreliable - don't depend on it for emergencies
- Download offline maps before arrival
- Learn key Portuguese phrases - very few locals speak English
- Have your hotel's contact information written down in case of emergency
Cultural Respect
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Be patient - island time operates differently
- Greet people politely ("Bom dia") before asking questions or making requests
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
São Tomé and Príncipe is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The local culture is relatively conservative but welcoming. Serious harassment or assault is rare, though some women report occasional catcalling or unwanted attention, particularly in São Tomé city. Women traveling alone are uncommon but not unheard of.
- Dress modestly - avoid revealing clothing, particularly outside beach resorts
- Avoid walking alone after dark in São Tomé city
- Use hotel-arranged transportation rather than flagging down taxis
- Ignore catcalls and unwanted attention; responding often encourages more
- Consider wearing a wedding ring regardless of marital status
- Book accommodations with good security and reviews from other women travelers
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Connect with other travelers at hotels or through tour groups
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Be especially cautious when drinking alcohol in unfamiliar settings
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not criminalized in São Tomé and Príncipe, and there are no specific laws against same-sex relationships. However, there are also no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation with strangers or casual acquaintances
- Research accommodations in advance - international hotel chains may be more welcoming
- Be aware that local attitudes tend to be conservative, particularly outside São Tomé city
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel communities for updated information and support
- Consider booking private accommodations rather than shared spaces
- Don't assume acceptance - err on the side of discretion
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with substantial medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for São Tomé and Príncipe. The country's limited medical facilities mean that serious illness or injury will require expensive medical evacuation to Portugal, South Africa, or another country with advanced care. Evacuations can easily cost $50,000-100,000 or more. Without insurance, travelers could face catastrophic expenses or be unable to receive necessary treatment.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for São Tomé and Príncipe Safety Guide before you go.