Sao Tome and Principe: main airports
São Tomé and Príncipe is served by São Tomé International Airport and Príncipe Airport, on the island of the same name. TAP Air Portugal connects São Tomé with Lisbon, the country's only direct intercontinental link; other regional connections are operated by TAAG Angola Airlines, STP Airways, Afrijet and ASKY Airlines to Angola, Gabon and other West African countries.
The internal flight between the two islands, operated by STP Airways, takes about 40 minutes with several weekly connections.
Sao Tome and Principe: recommended activities
Sao Tome and Principe: visa and entry requirements
According to available information, citizens of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States and Canada can obtain a visa on arrival at São Tomé airport, valid for up to 15 days and extendable to 90; there is also an e-visa system with a cost that varies according to duration. As no official source with certain amounts and conditions is available, always check the updated procedure with the relevant embassy or consulate before organizing the trip.
Sao Tome and Principe: safety
The United States classifies São Tomé and Príncipe at Level 2 ("Exercise Increased Caution"): the level had been temporarily raised to 3 ("Reconsider Travel") in April 2026 due to political and social instability and limits on the healthcare system, before being lowered back to 2 in September 2026. In November 2022 the country experienced a coup attempt, with 4 deaths, but has a history of generally peaceful power transitions; presidential and legislative elections during 2026 could bring occasional tensions linked to the electoral calendar.
Common crime is at a moderate-low level. Emergency medical services are limited, without adequate facilities for serious trauma: even minor health problems may require evacuation at one's own expense.
Sao Tome and Principe: health situation
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over 1 year of age coming from a country at risk of transmission, and is nonetheless recommended by the CDC for anyone visiting the country. Malaria is present with high risk throughout the territory: antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
The local healthcare system is limited, with frequent shortages of essential medicines and often outdated equipment: private care on-site is limited and serious cases are normally evacuated to Portugal. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Sao Tome and Principe: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN), pegged to the euro since 2010 at a fixed rate of 24.5 STN per 1 euro. The official language is Portuguese.
Tipping is at the customer's discretion: 5% is generally appreciated, as is a tip for local guides.
