Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Libreville does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. São Tomé & Príncipe is a Lusophone country, and very few people speak English.

Review OSAC’s São Tomé & Príncipe-specific webpage for analytic reports, travel alerts, and contact information.

Crime Threats

There is minimal risk from crime in São Tomé. Violent crime directed toward expatriates or foreign tourists is infrequent. The most common crime reported by expatriates is theft of unaccompanied items. Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing, and armed home invasion have occurred on the islands, particularly around the winter holidays. Pick pocketing is prevalent in markets, on the streets, or near hotels.

Most hotels in São Tomé city and resorts on the outlying islands have safeguards in place that match security standards (providing 24-hour guards, locking doors and safes in each room) found in Western countries. In January 2019, a U.S. citizen reported a sexual assault outside of a hotel in the city of São Tomé. Visitors should double-check with their lodging accommodations about after-hours access and personal safety practices.

There are some local gangs that are involved in robberies, hold-ups, and thefts, but no organized crime. Violent crime is rare, though there are isolated incidents of violence in the commission of robberies. 

Cybersecurity Issues

The U.S. Embassy has not received any reports of card skimming. E-Commerce does not exist in São Tomé & Príncipe. Businesses do not widely accept credit cards. ATMs only accept cards from local banks. Travelers must exchange their currency for the São Toméan Dobra. Banks only accept a limited range of foreign currency for exchange. Banks widely accept U.S. dollars and Euros for exchange.

Other Areas of Concern

Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea presents an ongoing challenge for regional maritime security. While the majority of piracy events in 2018 occurred off the shores of Nigeria, incidents reported further south increased in 2018 and include multiple boardings and hijackings off the coasts of Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo. Such trends underscore a growing risk of piracy in the waters around São Tomé and Príncipe. Piracy incidents predominately affect the commercial shipping, fishing, and extractive sectors. Groups originating from Nigeria commit most acts in the Gulf of Guinea. Increasingly, pirates have kidnapped crewmembers for ransom; in such cases, pirates transferred victims to other vessels or even took them ashore, often to hideouts in southern Nigeria.

The U.S. Embassy does not restrict travel for its employees. Use caution when visiting popular São Tomé nightspots.

Taking photographs of the Presidential Palace, military, or other government buildings is illegal. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don'ts for Photography.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

São Tomé and Príncipe are both mountainous islands formed from volcanoes. There are no highways and most roads are narrow, with two lanes, and very serpentine. While major roads are generally in good repair, drivers should nonetheless exercise caution. Smaller roads in villages are at times nothing more than dirt tracks. Vehicles often lack proper maintenance and headlights. 

Traffic accidents are one of the greatest dangers to visitors. Exercise extreme caution as both a driver and a pedestrian. Enforcement for speeding and reckless driving has historically been non-existent, though this may be changing. Some visitors to the island of São Tomé reported that police have been cracking down on unlicensed drivers. Still, road hazards include poor street lighting, failure by drivers to obey traffic signals, a lack of marked pedestrian crossings, livestock and wild animals on roadways, slow moving vehicles, large trucks, inebriated drivers and erratic stopping by taxis, motorbikes, and other vehicles. Only a few miles of paved roads exist on the island of Príncipe; the conditions are similar to those found on São Tomé.

Due to road safety concerns, drive defensively and wear seatbelts. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report, Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Always drive defensively. Whether driving a vehicle or a passenger in a taxi, keep belongings out of plain view at all times. Lock vehicles doors, fasten seat belts, and roll up windows at all times. While stopped in traffic, drivers should scan rearview mirrors to identify potential trouble. If idling at a stop light or sign, drivers should leave adequate maneuver room between vehicles to allow for a hasty departure if necessary. 

Public Transportation Conditions

Many residents use motorcycle taxis or minivans to go from place to place. Strongly consider other transportation options before opting to take a motorcycle taxi. Every year, a number of serious accidents involve these motorcycles. Drivers often lack helmets for passengers and drive recklessly.

Although taxis are safe, ensure that the taxi has seatbelts and negotiate a rate before riding. If you are staying at a hotel, ask the front desk personnel to call a taxi for you; hotels generally use reliable providers. Hotels can also identify private drivers for hire.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Travel by air to and from São Tomé and Príncipe and between the islands can be frustrating for even the most seasoned traveler. Flight delays and cancelations are frequent and sometimes last for days. Pack any required medicines, important documents, or valuables in a carry-on, as baggage frequently goes missing. Local airlines are not required to pay restitution for lost bags. 

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in São Tomé & Príncipe, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of São Tomé & Príncipe’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Terrorism Threat

There is minimal risk from terrorism in São Tomé.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

The majority of residents of São Tomé and Príncipe have a favorable view of U.S. citizens and of the United States.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is minimal risk from political violence in São Tomé. São Tomé and Príncipe is a relatively peaceful democracy. It was a colony under Portugal and had a peaceful transition to independence. Over the last fifteen years, there have been a couple of coup attempts; one in 2003 resulted in a special military unit disbanding. In 2012, a parliamentary shake-up led to confusion as to who held legitimate power, but there was no violence. In August 2018, there was an attempted coup against then Prime Minister Trovoada and President Carvalho, which ended without violence. Despite these coup attempts, the country has an overall history of peaceful transition of power. In the most recent Presidential elections in July 2016, there was no notable violence. When there is protest activity in the capital city, it generally occurs in the Riboque neighborhood, near the Vitoria F.C. soccer stadium. 

In October 2018, immediately after legislative elections, protests in downtown São Tomé alleged misconduct in the tally. Protesters overturned a judicial official’s vehicle and set it on fire outside the national election headquarters. When the official recused herself from the vote counting, authorities restored order.

In December 2018, chronic power and water outages led to demonstrations and roadblocks on the island of São Tomé. Local officials were able to defuse the situation, allowing the fuel trucks to pass the roadblocks and deliver the diesel necessary to generate electricity.

At times, villagers will set up roadblocks as a form of protest. Common complaints that can prompt such forms of protest include a lack of running water or electricity in the village. After the arrival of police, there can be prolonged discussions between villagers and police; sometimes, local politicians mediate. In 2016, the Embassy received reports of roadblocks on main roads in São Tomé, with the effect of cutting off parts of the island from the capital for several hours at a time.        

Post-Specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

During the rainy season, torrential downpours and heavy winds can cause severe damage to villages and bridges. There have been no major natural disasters in recent history. However, rising sea levels are threatening coastal communities.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

São Tomé experiences regular power outages. A long-term rehabilitation plan is underway to address its capacity to generate electricity.

Privacy Concerns

Practice the same protection of personally identifiable or private information you would in the United States.

Personal Identity Concerns

Domestic violence is a crime, punishable by up to eight years in prison when it results in harm to the health of the victim, and up to 16 years in prison when it leads to a loss of life. However, domestic violence remains widespread throughout the country.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in São Tomé & Príncipe. Some societal discrimination does exist. There are no legal protections for LGBTI individuals against discrimination.

São Tomé & Príncipe law does not prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities, but reported discrimination is rare. The law does not mandate accessibility. Most areas are not accessible to persons with mobility issues.

Police Response

The police and security forces often lack communications equipment, weapons and ammunition, and vehicles and gasoline, all of which limit their ability to respond to routine and emergency calls. Any response is often slow and limited to writing a report or taking statements.

The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in São Tomé & Príncipe is 2-22-22-22. In the event of a fire, dial 112.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Incidents of police or security force harassment or detention of foreigners are rare. U.S. citizens who become victims of police harassment should be polite and cooperative. U.S. citizens experiencing police harassment or detention should notify the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon immediately.

Crime Victim Assistance

In the event of an emergency, the local police are typically the first point of contact. However, police response is slow, police often do not investigate crimes, and prosecutions are very slow.

Reach the U.S. Embassy Libreville American Citizens Services (ACS) Officer at +241-01-45-71-00. In the event of an after-hours emergency involving a U.S. citizen, call +241-01-45-71-00 or request the Duty Officer at +241-07-38-01-71.

Police/Security Agencies

The National Police are responsible for traffic enforcement, security at major events, and criminal investigations. 

Medical Emergencies

There is limited adequate medical care in the country. In the event of a traumatic injury or medical emergency, consider temporary stabilization and medical evacuation (medevac), if possible. Availability of doctors and access to hospital facilities is unreliable, medical equipment does not function or lacks trained operators, medicines and surgical tools may not be available, and sanitary conditions may be sub-standard. Emergency responders and medical personnel likely do not speak English.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

Central Ayres de Menezes in São Tomé, Tel: +239-2-221-222.

A few clinics also exist, but the service provided is very basic.

Available Air Ambulance Services

African Medical Assistance:  +241-07-41-11-11

Insurance Guidance

U.S. medical insurance may not cover any procedures. Have local currency available to pay in advance for any procedures. Consider purchasing medevac insurance. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Medical Evacuation: A Primer.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The following diseases are prevalent: Malaria, Yellow fever, Diarrheal illness, Rabies, Tuberculosis, and Schistosomiasis. For additional information on vaccines and health guidance, visit the São Tomé and Príncipe-specific CDC webpage.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no OSAC Country Council in São Tomé and Príncipe. Contact the OSAC Africa Team for information or to contact the Regional Security Office in Libreville, Gabon.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

There is no U.S. Embassy in São Tomé and Príncipe. The U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon has responsibility for U.S. interests in the country. There are currently direct flights between Libreville and São Tomé three days per week (Sunday, Thursday, and Friday).

Embassy Contact Numbers

Embassy Operator:  Phone:  +241-01-45-71-00

Website: http://ga.usembassy.gov

If you are going to reside in or visit São Tomé & Príncipe, take the time to tell the Embassy about your presence through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you enroll, you can keep up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

Additional Resource: São Tomé & Príncipe Country Information Sheet