Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a singular country made up of a pair of islands.
The original settlers of the islands were Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. The islands are known for their rich volcanic soil. They are a hub for sugar, coffee, and cocoa.
Do I Need Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sao Tome and Principe. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for some specific itineraries. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for some specific itineraries. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria and chikungunya can be found on the islands. Be sure to bring mosquito repellents an netting. Antimalarials are highly recommended for all travelers.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sao Tome and Principe?
A visa is not required for stays under 15 days in Sao Tome and Principe. Travelers needs to have a passport with at least six months’ validity.
Sao Tome and Principe Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Sao Tome and Principe? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe and U.S. State Department
There is no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.
For more information, see our Sao Tome and Principe visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Sao Tome and Principe?
Year-round, Sao Tome and Principe’s temperatures are in the 80’s.
The islands experience two separate rainy seasons and one dry season. There is a shorter rainy season in October and November. A longer rainy season takes place from February to May. The dry season lasts from mid-June to mid-September.
How Safe is Sao Tome and Principe?
Petty crimes like pick-pocketing are common in highly-trafficked areas. This includes markets, downtown streets, and near hotels. Try to carry only what you need. Do not display large wads of cash when you’re paying for things.
Burglary and armed home invasion do occur on the island. Be especially careful around the holiday season. Keep valuables like expensive jewelry, cash and passports in a locked safe.
Obo National Park
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Tourism in Sao Tome and Principe is still small. There are many natural attractions to enjoy on these equatorial islands. One of these natural features is Obo National Park. This park, which takes up more than 30% of the island of Sao Tome, is home to Cao Grande Peak.
This geological phenomenon is a large volcanic cone that rises to over 2,000 feet from the beaches. The area is home to more than 700 different species of plants and animals.
What Should I Take to Sao Tome and Principe?
Here are a few essential items that you’ll want to take with you on your trip to Sao Tome and Principe:
- Cash – Few locations on Sao Tome and Principe accept credit cards. You will need cash for all transactions.
- Pre-Paid Phone Card – There is only one mobile phone network present in Sao Tome and Principe. It is not always reliable because of the amount of people using it at any given time. A pre-paid phone card will help make local and international phone calls from pay phones.
- Portuguese Translation Book – There are few English speakers on the islands. The majority of the population speaks Portuguese or Forro. A translation book will help you get around more easier.
U.S. Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
There is no U.S. diplomatic presence on the islands. Contact the embassy in Gabon for any consular needs you may have:
U.S. Embassy Libreville
Sablière B.P. 4000
Libreville, Gabon
Phone: (241) 01-45-71-00
Visit the Embassy to Gabon website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Great Service“
“The nurse at the Columbia MD location is very nice, friendly, and provides very detailed information. I got all the shots I needed for a trip to Sao Tome and Principe. Plus a kit for stomach problems that came in handy. Highly recommend”
Submitted by: Cathy
★★★★★
“Quick and Easy“
“My coworker recommended that I check out Passport Health because we were going to be traveling to Sao Tome and Principe. The was surprised how simple and quick the entire process was, and I could tell the staff truly cared about my well being. They kept me knowledgeable and gave me several options so I didn’t feel like I was pressured into anything that I didn’t want or need.”
Submitted by: Ryan
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sao Tome and Principe?
What is the Climate Like in Sao Tome and Principe?
How Safe is Sao Tome and Principe?
Obo National Park
What Should I Take to Sao Tome and Principe?
U.S. Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
“The nurse at the Columbia MD location is very nice, friendly, and provides very detailed information. I got all the shots I needed for a trip to Sao Tome and Principe. Plus a kit for stomach problems that came in handy. Highly recommend”
“My coworker recommended that I check out Passport Health because we were going to be traveling to Sao Tome and Principe. The was surprised how simple and quick the entire process was, and I could tell the staff truly cared about my well being. They kept me knowledgeable and gave me several options so I didn’t feel like I was pressured into anything that I didn’t want or need.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sao Tome and Principe?
What is the Climate Like in Sao Tome and Principe?
How Safe is Sao Tome and Principe?
Obo National Park
What Should I Take to Sao Tome and Principe?
U.S. Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
