sao-tome-and-principe

Sao Tome and Principe Travel Safety

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Travel Safety in Sao Tome and Principe

General travel safety in Sao Tome and Principe on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.

Country
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Sao Tome and Principe

Updates

Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024

Status

LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions

Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.

Update 13 October 2024 • Source: travel.gc.ca

Safety and Security Tips

Road safety

Streets in São Tomé are paved but there are many large potholes. Roads outside the capital are paved and in fair condition, but they are poorly lit and can be impassable during the rainy season. Roaming animals pose a hazard to drivers. Car rental, with or without a driver, can be arranged through major hotels.

Taxis

Other than taxis, there is no public transportation. Taxi fares should be negotiated prior to departure.

Women's safety

São Tomé and Príncipe is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Crime

Armed robbery and pickpocketing occur, particularly in public areas such as markets, streets or near hotels. Burglaries and home invasions also occur, but incidents are rare. Ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are secure. Avoid deserted beaches and poorly lit areas after dark.

Update 1 November 2020

Emergency Calls

  • Police112
  • Fire112
  • Ambulance112

Local Law and Culture

LGBT

Although the laws of São Tomé and Principe do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.

Update 1 November 2020

Vaccinations and Medications

A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.

Stay Healthy and Safe

Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Sao Tome and Principe.

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.

It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Sao Tome and Principe

Bardzo niskie

Areas with malaria

All

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.

The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.

Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.

The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.

Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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