US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Sao Tome and Principe. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

Sao Tome and Principe does not currently maintain an embassy in the United States. Travelers transiting Gabon can obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of São Tomé & Príncipe in Gabon, B.P. 49, Libreville, Gabon, telephone +(241)-72-15-27, fax +(241)-72-15-28. For all other inquiries, please contact Sao Tome and Principe’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations at 400 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022, +1 (212) 317 0644.

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

239

Local Emergency Phone

2-22-22-22; Fire: 112

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season October to May

Currency (Code)

Sao Tome and Príncipe dobra (STN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C,F

Plug Type C,F

Major Languages

Portuguese 98.4% (official), Forro 36.2%, Cabo Verdian 8.5%, French 6.8%, Angolar 6.6%, English 4.9%, other Portuguese-based Creoles are also spoken

Major Religions

Catholic 55.7%, Adventist 4.1%, Assembly of God 3.4%, other 6.2%, none 21.2%

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Required

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Obo National Park; Pico de Sao Tome; Rolas Island; Boca de Inferno; Jale Beach; Principe Ecological Zone

Major Sports

Soccer

Cultural Practices

People are friendly and courteous. Every greeting is accompanied with a handshake.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping in Sao Tome and Principe is part of the culture. While it is normal to tip the different service providers, if the service you are receiving is not good, you may decide to give a tip lower than what is stated as the normal tipping amount or decide not to give any tip at all; average tipping percentage in restaurants is between 7% to 13%, between 8% to 20% for taxi drivers, and between 2.00 to 5.00 USD/EURO/GBP in hotels.

Souvenirs

Carved wooden masks and other tribal items, stamps, tortoise-shell jewelry and decorative items

Traditional Cuisine

Calulu de peixe (Fish calulu) — a smoked fish stew which combines various vegetables cooked in red palm oil with okra and sweet potato leaves; traditionally accompanied by rice or funje (a creamy cassava porridge)


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024