Sao Tome St E Principe
About
| These sleepy islands boast miles of deserted beaches, crystal-blue waters, rolling hills, jagged rock formations and lush rainforests. The little-discovered islands of São Tomé e Príncipe provide unspoiled beauty and isolation from the world now rarely found anywhere else. The islands lie on an alignment of once-active volcanoes, with rugged landscapes, dense forests and palm-fringed beaches. The picturesque town of São Tomé lies exactly on the equator, with colonial Portuguese architecture and attractive parks. Indulge in swimming, snorkelling and diving in some of the clearest waters on the western coast of Africa. Beaches here have white as well as black sand. Visit the many roças (cocoa plantations) on the island. Agostinho Neto, the largest plantation in the country, is a clear example of São Tomé's colonial past. Other plantations include Agua Izé, where visitors can tour the plantation by train, Monté Café and Ribeira Peixe. See some spectacular waterfalls on São Tomé. Don't miss the Boca de Inferno (Hell's Mouth) sea water fountain and the Cascada São Nicolãu waterfall, near Pousada Boa Vista. There is also the Ilheu da Rolas (Turtledove Island). |
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| Capital: | São Tomé (TMS) |
| Currency: | Dobra (STD) |
| Language: | Portuguese |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 239 |
| Time Zones: | No UTC/GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. An International Driving Permit is not legally required but is recommended. |
| Best Time to go: | June and September |
| Best For: | Tropical jungles, Turtles |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | Permission should be asked before photographing locals. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Do not photograph the palace. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | There are no ATMs in the country. |
| Duty Free: | Reasonable quantities of tobacco products and perfume (opened). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited goods include animals and animal products from countries where there is an epidemic, endangered species, absinthe, counterfeit and pirated goods, medicines (other than prescription drugs), food considered harmful to public health, pornography, and plants and plant products. Restricted goods include pure alcohol, arms and ammunition, and food. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 3-4; Feb 3; May 1; Jul 11-12; Sep 5-6, 30; Sep 30; Dec 21-22, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 4-5; Feb 3; May 1; Jul 12-13; Sep 6-7, 30; Sep 30; Dec 21, 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African Passport Holders.
This can be applied for online at: www.smf.st/evisa
REQUIREMENTS
- Scanned passport
- Travel Information (Itinerary, Addresses, etc)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Proof of sufficient funds (EUR 100 per day)
- Stamp fee: The stamping fee is the fee you are required to pay at the Sao Tome Int airport in order to get the official visa stamped in your passport. The stamp fee must be in cash. It is important to have available the exact amount.
Visa Processing Time
7 working days
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Campo de Milho, São Tomé
Tel: + 239 227 568
E-mail: consuafricasul@cstome.net
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
