What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Sao Tome and Principe, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 10 December 2025
Latest change, in the source's words:New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in São Tomé and Príncipe” of the UK government's travel advice for São Tomé and Principe, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 222 22 22
Fire: 112
Police: 113 or 222 22 22
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for São Tomé and Principe, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe. Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.
Credit cards are not widely accepted in São Tomé and Príncipe. Check if your hotel or restaurant accepts credit cards. There are only a small number of ATMs. You can withdraw cash from the main bank in the capital city, São Tomé.
Travelling with medicines
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for São Tomé and Principe, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
The UK government's travel advice for São Tomé and Principe has no section on this topic. Read the full advice on GOV.UK.
What to pack
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesCF
Voltage220/400 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
25 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
186 mm (7.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
February
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
29 °C (84 °F)
Rain
149 mm (5.9 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
March
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
29 °C (85 °F)
Rain
210 mm (8.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
April
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
29 °C (85 °F)
Rain
213 mm (8.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
May
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
28 °C (83 °F)
Rain
228 mm (9.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
June
Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
21 °C (69 °F)
Highs
27 °C (80 °F)
Rain
55 mm (2.2 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
July
Average
23 °C (73 °F)
Lows
20 °C (68 °F)
Highs
26 °C (78 °F)
Rain
40 mm (1.6 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
August
Average
23 °C (73 °F)
Lows
20 °C (68 °F)
Highs
26 °C (78 °F)
Rain
89 mm (3.5 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
September
Average
24 °C (74 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
26 °C (79 °F)
Rain
187 mm (7.4 in)
Light clothes, with a light layer for the evenings.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
October
Average
24 °C (75 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
27 °C (80 °F)
Rain
340 mm (13.4 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
November
Average
25 °C (76 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
28 °C (82 °F)
Rain
284 mm (11.2 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
December
Average
25 °C (77 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
28 °C (82 °F)
Rain
216 mm (8.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
Packing checklist
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Entry requirements and visas
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Sao Tome and Principe.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.