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.