São Tomé och Príncipe

Översikt

Located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe comprises two archipelagos around the two main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, which are located some 140km apart. São Tomé is the largest and most populous island, where the majority of risks are concentrated. Crime rates are generally low although break-ins, petty crimes and armed robberies do occur especially in public areas including markets, streets and areas around hotels. The country has close geographical proximity to the Niger Delta, which is a base for piracy groups. An attempted piracy case for at least two years was reported in November 2019, whereby an underway crude-oil tanker was attacked in São Toméan waters. Protests are likely to be caused by high food prices and poor service provision. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Sao Tome and Principe. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Sao Tome and Principe. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

Risk of malaria is present throughout Sao Tome and Principe, including urban areas.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the whole country, including urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Sao Tome and Principe. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is endemic in São Tomé & Príncipe.

Medical care is very limited outside of São Tomé itself. Be aware that most doctors expect payment in cash, regardless of your health insurance. Many health conditions would require evacuation to Europe, South Africa or Gabon for treatment.

There are two hospitals in the country, one on each island, and several foreign-run clinics. However, the level of care is low.

Pass

Passports are required for all travellers to the country and must be valid for the duration of the stay.

Visum

All travellers are required to have a visa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. These should be obtained prior to travel. You need to contact the nearest São Toméan embassy for further details. Travellers from the EU countries, United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Switzerland do not require a visa for stays of up to 15 days.