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Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in São Tomé and Príncipe.
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 = 0.0465 USD
1 USD = 21.5172 STN
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 less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
SafetyGenerally favorableSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareStrongSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionElevatedSource 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.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
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 3Reconsider travel
Reconsider travel to São Tomé and Príncipe due to unrest and health risks. Since March 24, 2026, U.S. government employees working for the U.S. Mission to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe need special permission to travel to Sao Tome and Principe due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Sao Tome and Principe. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Unrest The U.S. Embassy in Luanda is closely monitoring the security situation in Sao Tome and Principe.
The following events may lead to demonstrations or other political activity in 2026:
- Political party conventions beginning in early April
- The presidential election on July 19
- Legislative elections on September 27
The security environment may deteriorate without warning. Unrest related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may stop or block transportation and other essential services. The U.S. Embassy in Luanda will have limited capacity to assist with departure from the country if the security situation deteriorates. Health Medical services in Sao Tome and Principe 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.
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