Sao Tome and Principe: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Sao Tome and Principe is one of the few countries in the world with a visa exemption regime open to all nationalities since 2018: there's no need to arrange a visa in advance, just arrive with a valid passport, a return ticket, and pay an entry fee at the international airport. The currency is the Sao Tomean dobra (STN) and the official language is Portuguese.
The archipelago combines two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea, with uncrowded beaches and high-quality cocoa production, but its small size means a limited medical network. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is especially important here, since serious cases are usually transferred to Ghana, Angola, or Portugal.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Since 2018 the country has applied a visa exemption regime for all nationalities: no visa is processed in advance, only an entry fee paid on arrival.
Health & travel insurance: The hospital network is small, and serious cases usually require medical evacuation; travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
The country eliminated the prior visa requirement for all nationalities: entry authorization and payment of the corresponding fee are handled directly upon landing. Even so, it's worth checking the current fee amount and required documents before traveling.
- Valid passport, with no need for a visa arranged in advance.
- Return or onward travel ticket.
- Payment of the entry fee at the airport, in cash or via the available method.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
The central hospital is in Sao Tome city and offers basic care; Principe island has even more limited resources. In a serious emergency, the usual course of action is medical evacuation to a country with greater hospital capacity.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Sao Tome and Principe; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote.
Transport and currency
The currency is the Sao Tomean dobra (STN). International flights usually connect via Lisbon, Accra, or Luanda, and travel between the islands of Sao Tome and Principe is by small planes or boats, with limited frequency.
When to travel
The dry season, between June and September, offers the best conditions for exploring beaches and jungle trails. The rainy season runs from October to May, with the heaviest downpours between March and April.
Travel checklist for Sao Tome and Principe
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Sao Tome and Principe.
- Check the visa requirement for Sao Tome and Principe based on your passport: Since 2018 the country has applied a visa exemption regime for all nationalities: no visa is processed in advance, only an entry fee paid on arrival.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The hospital network is small, and serious cases usually require medical evacuation; travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Sao Tome and Principe's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Sao Tomean dobra (STN)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to arrange a visa to travel to Sao Tome and Principe?
Not in advance: the country has applied a visa exemption for all nationalities since 2018, and entry is authorized on arrival, with a fee paid at the airport.
What is the emergency number in Sao Tome and Principe?
112, though response capacity can be limited outside Sao Tome city.
How prepared are the hospitals for tourists?
Medical care is basic; serious cases usually require evacuation to a country with greater hospital infrastructure, so having insurance that covers it is worthwhile.
What currency should I use in Sao Tome and Principe?
The Sao Tomean dobra (STN); it's best to carry cash, since card acceptance is limited.
