Flight connections from Europe are direct only with TAP Portugal from Lisbon or with Euro Atlantic Airways also from Lisbon, but as a charter. The other travel options are only via Libreville (Gabon) or Luanda (Angola).
Ship
The country’s main port is also located in the capital, São Tomé. It is used by several international cruise lines and other passenger ships. There are regular ferry services between São Tomé and Libreville in Gabon.
Travel in the country
Flight connections
There are currently scheduled flights between the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe four times a week.
Rail
There is no railroad on São Tomé and Príncipe.
Ferry connections
There are irregular ferry connections between the country’s smaller ports and São Tomé.
Taxis
Taxis in all possible directions on the main island of São Tomé can be found at Praça de Taxis. You can ride as a single passenger or simply wait until the taxi is full. The latter option has the advantage that the fare is shared.
Bus traffic
The two main islands have a good bus network and the bush taxis are extremely inexpensive.
Roads and rental cars
The country’s road network covers around 380 km and is only partially asphalted. Outside of the cities, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. An international driver’s license is required for rental cars. Rental cars are available at all hotels because they are essential if you want to get to know more distant areas of the islands.
International license plate
According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate number for São Tomé and Príncipe is:
STP
Sao Tome and Principe: entry and exit regulations
Formalities, visas
German, Austrian and Swiss citizens need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a visa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe.
Visa in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are issued via the Belgian embassy:
The national currency of São Tomé and Príncipe is the Dobra
1 Dobra = 100 Cêntimos
Importing and exporting the local currency There are no restrictions on the import of the local currency, but there is a declaration requirement. The export is permitted to a maximum of the declared amount.
Importing and exporting foreign currencies There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare. The export is permitted up to a maximum of the declared amount.
Import and export of goods
Tobacco and perfume (in opened bottles) for personal use may be imported duty-free. In contrast, there is an import ban for weapons, alcoholic beverages and lottery tickets.
Travel medicine, risks
Infectious Diseases
The following infectious diseases can be expected in São Tomé and Príncipe:
Malaria: There is a year-round risk of infection, including in cities. Between 80 to 90% of infections occur with the very dangerous malaria tropica, the rest with malaria tertiana.
AIDS, HIV
Schistosomiasis – there is a nationwide risk of infection.
Lyme disease
Cholera is only at risk of infection for travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
dengue fever
Intestinal infections from contaminated food or water, including amoeba, lamblia, salmonella, shigella, worm infestation and all kinds of viruses and bacteria
Yellow fever throughout the country is a life-threatening yellow fever infection all year round.
Hepatitis A and B An infection with hepatitis B is only to be expected in people who can come into contact with blood or in those who seek sexual contact.
Polio, polio
tetanus
Typhoid fever, an infection risk only exists for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
Vaccination recommendations
Cholera, but only among travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
Diphtheria – a vaccination against diphtheria should always exist, also in the home country.
Yellow fever, absolutely!
Hepatitis A and B, a vaccination against hepatitis B, is only required for people who may come into contact with blood or for those who seek sexual contact.
Polio, polio – vaccination against polio should always exist, also in the home country.
Tetanus – a vaccination against tetanus should always exist, also in the home country.
Typhoid – but only for travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
Compulsory vaccination
When entering and staying in São Tomé and Príncipe there is a compulsory vaccination against yellow fever. The country is one of the yellow fever infection areas designated by the WHO.
Yellow fever vaccination for children
In most countries where a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, this also applies to children over 1 year of age, in some countries even from 6 months. It should be noted that vaccination against yellow fever had a number of side effects, such as: B. Encephalitis. Around two thirds of those affected were children under 6 months. Therefore, under no circumstances should children under this age be vaccinated. But children under one year of age should also not be vaccinated if possible. If in doubt, yellow fever infection areas must then be avoided. Any vaccination against yellow fever may only be carried out in specially authorized yellow fever vaccination centers!
Malaria prophylaxis
When traveling to São Tomé and Príncipe, it is strongly advised to undergo malaria prophylaxis. However, if the side effects seem questionable to you, you should at least have a “stand-by preparation” with you.
Sao Tome Principe: Diplomatic missions
Visit Countryaah for a full list of Sao Tome and Principe embassies and consulates in each country around the world.
German representations in São Tomé and Príncipe
The Federal Republic of Germany does not have an embassy on São Tomé and Príncipe, but is represented by an honorary consulate. Responsible is:
Embassy in Gabon
Boulevard de l’Indépendance, Immeuble les Frangipaniers
