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.
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?
Canadian Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
Do I Need Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sao Tome and Principe. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe: COVID-19, 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - 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 travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for some specific itineraries. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers 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 | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| 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 travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for some specific itineraries. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers 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 travellers.
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. The Government of Canada advises that travellers must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay.
Sao Tome and Principe Entry Requirements |
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| 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 Canadian Travel and Tourism
There is no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Sao Tome and Principe?
Year-round, Sao Tome and Principe’s temperatures are in the range of about 25 to 30 degrees.
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
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 600 metres 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 Portugese or Forro. A translation book will help you get around more easier.
Canadian Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
There is no Canadian diplomatic presence on the islands. Contact the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria for any consular needs you may have:
Canadian Embassy in Nigeria
13010G, Palm close, Diplomatic drive,
Central Business District,
Abuja, Nigeria
Tel.: +234 (09) 461 2900
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe
“Our nurse provided exceptional service. She was ready for me and fully prepared. She gave me a lot of information as well as excellent and clearly knowledgeable advice for Sao Tome. She also answered all my questions. I highly recommend Passport Health.”
“Friendly and personable nurse who administered my vaccines. She was able to give me a good overview of what was recommended for my trip and how to stay safe overall when I travel to Sao Tome.”
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