Sao Tome and Principe
Phone Code
+239
Capital
Sao Tome
Population
220,000
Native Name
São Tomé e Príncipe
Region
Africa
Middle Africa
Timezone
Greenwich Mean Time
UTC±00
On This Page
São Tomé and Príncipe is a two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa, roughly 300 kilometres west of Gabon. The country is built around São Tomé, the larger island, and the much smaller Príncipe, plus several islets, with a combined population of around 220,000 — Africa's second-smallest country after Seychelles. Both islands are volcanic, with mountainous, rainforest-covered interiors; Pico de São Tomé, the highest point, rises to 2,024 metres. Uninhabited until Portuguese explorers arrived in 1470, the islands became a major cocoa-producing colony before independence in 1975. Entry requires either an e-visa or a visa on arrival for most nationalities, plus a mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Visa Requirements for São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe offers e-visa and visa-on-arrival options for most nationalities, both valid for 15 days and extendable. The e-visa, applied for online in advance, is generally the smoother route — it requires a passport scan, passport photo, yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory, administered at least 10 days before arrival), a return ticket, and proof of accommodation, with payment by card; check current fees. Visa on arrival at São Tomé International Airport requires the same documentation, paid in cash on arrival — check current pricing — and can involve longer queues depending on flight volume. Citizens of ECOWAS countries and Portugal receive 15 days visa-free. Extensions are available through the Immigration Service in São Tomé city, up to a maximum stay of 90 days — check current extension fees. The yellow fever certificate requirement is strictly enforced for every nationality: travellers arriving without a valid one will be denied entry or quarantined, so vaccination should happen well ahead of the trip. See the visa categories below for work, business and long-term residence requirements.
Common Visa Types
E-Visa (Tourist - 15 Days)
For tourism for citizens of most countries, obtained online before travel (recommended over visa on arrival for smoother entry).
Visa on Arrival (Tourist - 15 Days)
For tourists arriving at São Tomé International Airport without pre-arranged visa (available for most nationalities).
Long-term Visas and Residence
For foreigners seeking work, business, or long-term residence in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Important Travel Information
- •Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement - MANDATORY: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is absolutely mandatory for entry to São Tomé and Príncipe, regardless of traveler's nationality or origin country. This requirement is strictly enforced - travelers arriving without valid yellow fever vaccination certificate will be denied entry, quarantined, or forced to take immediate vaccination at airport (if available - not guaranteed). The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card/carte jaune) must show yellow fever vaccination administered at least 10 days before arrival (vaccines require 10 days to provide immunity - same-day vaccinations not accepted). Certificate must be signed and stamped by authorized vaccination center. Yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine providing lifetime protection (previously required booster every 10 years, but WHO changed guidance 2016 to lifetime protection - single dose sufficient, though some countries still reference 10-year validity on certificates). Where to get vaccinated: travel medicine clinics, public health departments, some pharmacies in countries where yellow fever is not endemic (vaccination available 2-4 weeks before travel - book appointment in advance; cost varies by country and clinic, and is covered by some health insurance plans). São Tomé and Príncipe enforces this requirement because yellow fever is endemic in Central Africa, and Aedes mosquitoes capable of transmitting the disease are present on the islands - preventing yellow fever introduction is public health priority. Upload vaccination certificate scan when applying for e-visa; carry original certificate when traveling (not a copy - original required at immigration); keep certificate accessible during journey. Without this certificate, entry will be refused - do not attempt to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe without yellow fever vaccination and certificate. Malaria prophylaxis also strongly recommended (chloroquine-resistant malaria endemic on islands - consult travel medicine doctor for appropriate antimalarial medication 2-4 weeks before travel).
- •Chocolate Islands and Cocoa Heritage: São Tomé and Príncipe earned the nickname “Chocolate Islands” for its historic role as the world's leading cocoa producer in the early twentieth century — by 1913 the islands were the world's largest cocoa exporter — and for the continuing production of high-quality organic cocoa today. Cocoa was introduced from Brazil by the Portuguese in 1822, and large plantation estates (roças) were built across the islands, each with a manor house (casa grande), workers' quarters, drying platforms, warehouses and sometimes hospitals and schools. Independence in 1975 led to nationalisation of the plantations and a sharp decline in the industry, leaving many roças abandoned — atmospheric ruins of colonial mansions slowly overtaken by jungle. Today, cocoa production is reviving with a focus on organic and fair-trade certification. Claudio Corallo, an Italian chocolatier, produces world-renowned single-origin chocolate on São Tomé using local organic beans — visitors can tour his plantation and factory, with tastings; check current pricing. Several roças have been restored as guesthouses and hotels, offering unique accommodation in historic plantation buildings (Roça São João dos Angolares, Roça Sundy on Príncipe — where Eddington's 1919 solar eclipse expedition confirmed Einstein's theory of relativity, Roça Belo Monte). Visiting both restored and abandoned roças is a popular activity — exploring buildings, learning the cocoa story, and photographing decaying colonial architecture swallowed by rainforest. Cocoa harvest season is May-September (main) and November-January (smaller). Visitors can tour working plantations, see cocoa processing (fermentation, drying, roasting), and buy high-quality São Tomé chocolate.
- •Príncipe Island - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Príncipe is São Tomé and Príncipe's smaller island (142 km², population 8,000), located 146 km northeast of São Tomé island. Príncipe was designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012 in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity, endemic species, pristine rainforest covering 90% of the island, and sustainable development efforts. The island is tranquil, less developed than São Tomé, with limited infrastructure - one main town (Santo António, population 2,000), few roads, sporadic electricity, and minimal tourism facilities, though the luxury eco-resort Sundy Praia exists for upscale travellers — check current rates. Príncipe attractions: pristine beaches (Banana Beach - consistently ranked among world's most beautiful beaches, powdery golden sand, turquoise water, palm trees, Robinson Crusoe atmosphere accessible by boat or challenging hike; Praia Jalé - important sea turtle nesting beach July-September with conservation project; Bom Bom Island Resort beach), endemic birds (Príncipe thrush, Príncipe speirops, Príncipe kingfisher, Príncipe sunbird, Príncipe white-eye - birdwatchers' paradise, guided walks with local ornithologists), rainforest hiking (waterfalls including Cascata de São Joaquim, primary forest with ancient trees, high biodiversity), Roça Sundy (restored colonial plantation, historic site of 1919 Eddington solar eclipse observation that confirmed Einstein's general relativity - plaque commemorates event, now part of luxury resort), and diving/snorkeling (pristine coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, sharks, humpback whales July-September). Access to Príncipe: flights from São Tomé (40 minutes, STP Airways small propeller planes, daily departures but limited seats — book in advance and check current fares; baggage limit 15kg; scenic flight over ocean). No ferry service between islands (too far and rough seas). Accommodation on Príncipe is limited: luxury Sundy Praia resort, Bom Bom Island Resort (mid-range), guesthouses in Santo António (basic facilities) — check current rates across the range. Príncipe has more rustic, adventurous atmosphere than São Tomé - roads are rough, services limited, electricity and internet unreliable, Portuguese is essential (almost no English spoken). Príncipe rewards intrepid travelers seeking pristine nature, isolation, and authentic island experience. Recommended stay: 2-4 days (combine with São Tomé visit for complete São Tomé and Príncipe experience). Príncipe represents African island paradise in its most unspoiled form.
- •Practical Challenges and Realistic Expectations: São Tomé and Príncipe is a developing nation with limited infrastructure and tourism facilities — travellers should adjust expectations accordingly. Challenges: limited flights (TAP Air Portugal from Lisbon, 4-5 times weekly, is the main international connection, and fares run expensive — check current pricing; connecting flights through Accra, Ghana or Luanda, Angola are also possible but irregular; there are no direct flights from the Americas or Asia, so complex routing is required); relatively expensive transportation (domestic flights to Príncipe, car rentals for the 4WD vehicles the roads require, and taxis — check current rates for all of these); limited accommodation (mainly budget guesthouses or luxury eco-lodges, with little in between — check current rates and book in advance, since capacity is limited; some properties have unreliable electricity, water and Wi-Fi); Portuguese language essential (almost no English spoken outside luxury resorts — learning basic Portuguese phrases is highly recommended; French is occasionally understood; bring a translation app); a cash economy (ATMs are unreliable and often out of money — bring sufficient euros or USD to exchange; credit cards are rarely accepted outside luxury establishments); limited dining (restaurants are few and far between outside São Tomé city — hotel dining or local markets are the norm; fresh fish, tropical fruit, palm wine and palm oil dishes dominate, and the diet can feel monotonous on an extended stay, with Western food scarce and pricier); infrastructure limitations (electricity blackouts are common, water supply irregular, internet slow and unreliable, and medical facilities basic — serious medical issues require evacuation to Portugal or South Africa, so comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential). Despite the challenges, São Tomé and Príncipe rewards travellers with spectacular natural beauty, a unique Portuguese-African Creole cultural heritage, exceptional biodiversity, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience without mass tourism. Ideal visitors: adventure travellers comfortable with rustic conditions, nature enthusiasts, history buffs interested in colonial heritage, and travellers seeking destinations before they're widely “discovered.” Not ideal for: travellers expecting polished tourism infrastructure or standard luxury-resort experiences (outside the specific luxury lodges), elderly or mobility-limited visitors given the rough terrain and limited accessibility, picky eaters, or those requiring reliable connectivity. A realistic trip length is 7-10 days to combine São Tomé and Príncipe, or 5-7 days for São Tomé alone.
- •São Tomé Island Highlights and Itinerary: São Tomé island (larger island where capital and airport located) offers diverse attractions across compact area (50km north-south, 32km east-west - entire island circumnavigable in 1 day drive with stops). São Tomé city (capital): Portuguese colonial architecture (colorful buildings, cathedral, Presidential Palace, market), small city pleasant to explore on foot, restaurants, market (Mercado Municipal - fresh fish, tropical fruit, vegetables, local life), waterfront promenade. Northern circuit: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon - natural tidal pool with clear water, excellent snorkeling, 10km from capital), Praia das Conchas (Shell Beach), Boca do Inferno (blowhole where waves crash through lava rock tunnel creating dramatic spray). Eastern coast: Roça Água Izé (restored plantation with guesthouse, beach access), Santa Catarina (fishing village), São João dos Angolares (town with Roça São João guesthouse). Southern coast: Praia Jalé (important sea turtle nesting beach June-September - conservation projects monitor nests, nighttime turtle watching tours available with guides — check current pricing), Praia Piscina (natural swimming pool formed by rocks, calm water), Porto Alegre (surf break for experienced surfers - powerful reef break). Western coast: São Tomé Chocolate Company (Claudio Corallo plantation and factory - tours and tasting, check current pricing, world-class chocolate), Roça Bombaim (abandoned plantation ruins picturesque for photography). Interior: Pico Cão Grande (Great Dog Peak - 663m volcanic plug rising vertically from jungle, iconic São Tomé landmark, visible from several viewpoints, technical rock climb for experienced climbers only), Cascata de São Nicolau (waterfall with swimming pool), Lagoa Amélia (crater lake at 1,400m elevation, challenging hike 6-8 hours round-trip, guide required, rewarding for fit hikers), Ôbo National Park (rainforest protecting endemic species, multiple hiking trails with guides - birdwatching, waterfalls, primary forest, check current guide pricing by trail). Recommended São Tomé itinerary (7 days): Day 1 - arrive, São Tomé city orientation; Day 2 - northern circuit (Lagoa Azul, beaches, Boca do Inferno); Day 3 - southern beaches and turtle conservation; Day 4 - interior hiking (Cascata de São Nicolau or Lagoa Amélia); Day 5 - plantation tours (roças, chocolate factory); Day 6 - west coast and Pico Cão Grande viewpoint; Day 7 - departure or Príncipe flight. Car rental essential for exploring (4WD required - many roads unpaved, muddy, steep, potholed; international license required; drive on right; gas stations limited - refuel in São Tomé city). Guided tours available through hotels and agencies (check current pricing) - good option if not renting a car. São Tomé offers an excellent mix of beaches, nature, history, and culture in a compact, navigable island.
São Tomé and Príncipe is one of Africa's smallest and least-visited nations — two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea that combine pristine beaches, lush rainforest, extraordinary endemic wildlife, and the haunting ruins of Portuguese colonial cocoa plantations (roças). Príncipe island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with beaches ranked among the world's most beautiful. The country is safe, genuinely off the beaten track, and rewards travelers who value authenticity over infrastructure. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. The main international gateway is TAP Air Portugal from Lisbon.
Discover Sao Tome and Principe
São Tomé's plantation economy collapsed fast after independence in 1975, when the roças were nationalised and the Portuguese management and export networks that had run them for over a century left almost overnight — without that infrastructure, most estates simply couldn't function, and buildings that had operated continuously since the 1800s were left to the rainforest within a generation. That's why the ruins look less like slow decline and more like a place abandoned mid-operation — machinery still in the drying sheds, manor houses with roofs collapsing over furniture that was never moved out. The handful of roças now restored as guesthouses (São João dos Angolares, Sundy) are the exceptions that found new owners with the capital to rebuild; most of the rest are exactly as they were left.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Dozens of abandoned or semi-restored colonial cocoa estates (roças) dot both islands — crumbling manor houses, rusting machinery, workers' quarters swallowed by jungle. Once the world's leading cocoa producers, they are now one of Africa's most atmospheric heritage sites. Several roças have been restored as guesthouses: Roça São João dos Angolares (São Tomé) and Roça Sundy (Príncipe). Claudio Corallo's plantation and chocolate factory offers tastings of world-class single-origin chocolate.
The smaller island (142 km², 8,000 people) is 90% rainforest and UNESCO-listed. Banana Beach is consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful: powdery sand, turquoise water, palm trees, Robinson Crusoe isolation. Endemic birds (Príncipe thrush, kingfisher, sunbird) make it a birdwatcher's destination. Roça Sundy marks where Eddington's 1919 expedition confirmed Einstein's general relativity during a solar eclipse. Access: 40-min propeller flight from São Tomé.
São Tomé island has black-sand volcanic beaches alongside turquoise-water coves: Praia Jalé (sea turtle nesting, June–September conservation tours), Praia Piscina (natural rock-pool swimming), Lagoa Azul (tidal lagoon, excellent snorkelling). Humpback whales pass July–September. Coral reefs, sea turtles, and rays make the waters among the cleanest in the Gulf of Guinea.
Ôbo National Park covers the volcanic interior of both islands: ancient primary rainforest, waterfalls, endemic species, and dramatic volcanic formations. Pico Cão Grande (663m) is a sheer volcanic plug rising from the jungle — one of Africa's most iconic geological landmarks. Lagoa Amélia, a crater lake at 1,400m, requires 6–8 hours round-trip with a guide. Cascata de São Nicolau offers a more accessible waterfall with swimming pool.
With fewer than 30,000 tourist arrivals per year, São Tomé and Príncipe remains one of the least-visited countries in Africa. No mass tourism, no beach resorts chains, genuine Creole-Portuguese culture. Local life centres on fishing villages, palm wine, fresh fish grilled on the beach, and Creole music (puíta, dexa). The islands are safe — virtually no violent crime, no political instability, and locals are welcoming.
Money & Currency
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
Currency code: STN
Practical Money Tips
Dobra (STN) — EUR and USD Accepted at Hotels
The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN) is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Bring a mix of EUR and USD for convenience; the local dobra is needed for markets and small vendors.
Limited ATMs in São Tomé City
ATMs are available in São Tomé city at BISTP and Ecobank branches. On Príncipe island, ATM options are extremely scarce. Withdraw enough cash in São Tomé city before travelling to rural areas or Príncipe.
Cards at Major Hotels Only
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at upscale hotels and some larger restaurants. Outside these venues, cash is the norm. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not practically supported.
Carry Sufficient Cash for the Entire Stay
Most daily expenses — taxis, local restaurants, markets, and remote beaches — require cash. USD and EUR are the most practical currencies. Carry small denominations, as change can be difficult to get.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Accredited missions for Sao Tome and Principe
Most nationalities need either an e-visa (apply online in advance) or a visa on arrival at the airport, both valid for 15 days and extendable; ECOWAS citizens and Portuguese citizens get 15 days visa-free. The e-visa is generally the smoother option, since visa-on-arrival queues can be slow.
Yes, absolutely — it's strictly enforced regardless of where you're travelling from, and you'll be denied entry or quarantined without a valid certificate showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. Get vaccinated well ahead of your trip and carry the original certificate, not a copy.
By a short propeller-plane flight, around 40 minutes — there's no ferry service, since the crossing is too far and the seas too rough. Seats are limited, so book in advance, especially in peak season.
This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.