Sao Tome and Principe

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on São Tomé and Príncipe for information on U.S.-São Tomé and Príncipe relations.

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Streets in the city of São Tomé are paved, but large potholes are common. Major roads outside of town are also paved. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and animals on the roads can be a major hazard. Outside of the city of São Tomé, there are no sidewalks or shoulders along the sides of roads. In rural areas outside of the capital city, drivers are expected to honk their horn periodically as a warning signal of their approach. There is no street lighting outside of the capital. Some roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Only a few miles of improved roads exist on the island of Príncipe; the conditions are similar to those found on São Tomé.

Public Transportation: Although taxis are fairly safe, it is advisable to rent a car instead. If you must take a taxi, make sure that the taxi has seatbelts and negotiate the rate before entering the taxi. If staying at a hotel, ask the front desk to call a taxi for you, as they will use reliable providers. Hotels can also identify private drivers for hire.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Air Travel: Airline service to São Tomé and Príncipe is limited. Flights are offered from Lisbon by TAP Air and STP Airways and regionally by Ceiba Airline and Afric Aviation. Note that Ceiba and Afric Aviation flights are subject to frequent delays and sudden cancellations. African Connection flies between São Tomé and Príncipe islands four times a week and also has charter flights.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in São Tomé and Príncipe, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

There have been isolated incidents of civil unrest in the capital city. Avoid large gatherings or any other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.  Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational or violent.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in São Tomé and Príncipe is 2-22-22-22. In the event of a fire, dial 112. There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in São Tomé and Príncipe.  If you need help, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon. 

Crime: Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing, and armed home invasions occur on the islands, particularly around the winter holidays. Pick-pocketing is prevalent in markets, on the streets, or near hotels. Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Put valuables and extra cash in your hotel safe while sightseeing or visiting the beach. When dining in restaurants or visiting markets, carry a minimal amount of cash and avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry. If you are the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking, you are encouraged to comply with the attacker to avoid injury, and to report all incidents to the police and the U.S. Embassy in Libreville. Police response time can be slow.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 2-22-22-22 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon at +(241) 01-45-71-00.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.