São Tomé & Príncipe

Recommended Vaccinations For São Tomé & Príncipe

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Medications For São Tomé & Príncipe

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for São Tomé & Príncipe

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya may occur in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in São Tomé and Príncipe through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country. The infection is transmitted by the bite of infected phlebotomine sandfly.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in São Tomé and Príncipe.

African Tick Bite Fever

There is an increased risk of this disease in this country.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in São Tomé and Príncipe. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in São Tomé and Príncipe through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Malaria

All areas of São Tomé and Príncipe are at high risk for malaria.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in São Tomé and Príncipe and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in São Tomé and Príncipe. Travellers to São Tomé and Príncipe are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Yellow Fever

There is a low risk for yellow fever transmission in this country. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in São Tomé and Príncipe, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in São Tomé and Príncipe. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are also at higher risk.

Safety & Security in São Tomé & Príncipe

Personal Safety

São Tomé and Príncipe is a very safe country. As in any tourist destination, petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching does occur. Travellers should always be aware of their surroundings and personal safety. To avoid becoming a target for theft, keep valuables out of sight.

Many roads are not in good condition and are not well lit. Avoid driving at night.

It is forbidden to take photographs of military or government installations or the presidential palace buildings.

There are severe penalties for possession or sale of illegal drugs in São Tomé and Principe.

Note that the black cobra snake can be found in the eastern and southern parts of the island. Young cobras are completely black, and adult cobras have pale yellow scales on the front. These snakes are shy and avoid humans. Use caution during outdoor activities.

Political Unrest

There is generally very little civil unrest in São Tomé and Príncipe. Although the country is generally stable, unrest can arise occasionally. Demonstrations do occur. In any country, travellers should always minimize safety risk by avoiding public gatherings or demonstrations.