São Tomé and Príncipe
Portuguese and Creole voices carry across volcanic islands where cocoa estates and equatorial forests shape daily life.
Overview
São Tomé and Príncipe offers a blend of African and European heritage, visible in its music, food, and language. Island-scale planning is essential, with São Tomé city and Príncipe’s smaller communities connected by ferry and air, set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and Atlantic horizons.
At a glance
Language
- Portuguese(Official)
Population204,327
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
1 STN = 0.0477 USD
1 USD = 20.9860 STN
Popular places
São Tomé and Príncipe
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Healthcare IndexStrongSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexLowSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexElevatedSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- e-VisaST
Sao Tome and Principe e-VisaST online entry-authorization route operated by the Migration and Borders Service. The source states applicants receive a response within seven business days and that payment is made at the border.
Languages
- Portuguese(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for São Tomé and Príncipe.
Canada
Take normal security precautions
Advisory effective · Verified
Take normal security precautions in São Tomé and Príncipe.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Sao Tome and Principe. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise Increased Caution in São Tomé and Príncipe due to health risks. Medical services in São Tomé and Príncipe are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Review our information on Travel Insurance. If you decide to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe: Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance. Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to São Tomé and Príncipe. Bring enough supply of over the counter and
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