São Tomé and Príncipe requires a visa for most nationalities except citizens of Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) member countries, who can enter visa-free for up to 15 days. Other travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at São Tomé International Airport for approximately 60 euros, valid for 30 days. The official visa requirements are published by the Direcção dos Serviços de Migração e Fronteiras. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers over one year of age and proof of vaccination must be presented upon entry.
The currency is the dobra. As of recent exchange rates, 1 USD equals approximately 24,000 dobras, though this fluctuates. Credit cards are accepted only in select hotels in São Tomé city and some larger establishments. ATMs exist in São Tomé city at Banco Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe and Afriland First Bank, but frequently run out of cash. Travelers should bring euros or US dollars in cash, which can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices. Most transactions outside the capital operate on a cash-only basis.
The official language is Portuguese. The population speaks four creole languages: Forro, the most widely spoken creole derived from Portuguese and used primarily on São Tomé island; Angolar, spoken by the Angolares fishing community mainly along the southern coast; Principense, spoken on Príncipe island; and Lung'Ie, spoken by descendants of contract workers. French is understood by some educated residents due to regional proximity to francophone countries. English proficiency is limited even in tourism sectors.
São Tomé International Airport receives direct flights from Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal, typically three to four times weekly with flight duration of approximately six hours. Africa's Connection operates flights from Accra, Ghana. STP Airways provides domestic flights between São Tomé and Príncipe, though schedules are irregular and cancellations occur. The inter-island flight takes approximately 30 minutes. Boat transport between islands exists but lacks fixed schedules and operates dependent on sea conditions.
Accommodation on São Tomé island ranges from budget guesthouses at 30-50 euros per night to mid-range hotels at 80-150 euros to luxury resorts at 200-400 euros. Príncipe has fewer options, with prices generally higher due to limited supply, ranging from 100 euros for basic rooms to over 500 euros for resort accommodation. Roças, the restored colonial plantation estates, offer unique lodging experiences, with Roça São João dos Angolares and Roça Sundy operating as boutique hotels. Advance booking is essential during July and August peak season.
The country has one major public hospital, Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes in São Tomé city, built in the colonial period and operating with limited resources and equipment. A smaller health center exists in Santo António on Príncipe. Malaria is endemic year-round across both islands. Private clinics in São Tomé city offer basic services. Medical evacuation to Lisbon or Accra is necessary for serious conditions.
The wet season runs from October to May, with heaviest rainfall from March to May when monthly totals exceed 200mm. The dry season, June to September, is known locally as gravana and corresponds to increased tourist visits. Temperatures remain consistent year-round, ranging from 22°C to 32°C at sea level. Humidity stays above 80 percent throughout the year. The equator passes through Ilhéu das Rolas, a small islet south of São Tomé island marked by a monument.
Internal transportation on São Tomé operates through shared taxis, called táxis de praça, which follow fixed routes between São Tomé city and towns like Trindade, Santana, and Neves for 10,000-20,000 dobras per person. These vehicles depart when full. Private taxi hire costs approximately 50,000-100,000 dobras for half-day trips. The road from São Tomé city to the southern town of São João dos Angolares is paved, while many roads in the interior and along the east coast remain unpaved and become difficult during rains. Príncipe has one paved road connecting Santo António to the airport.
Electrical supply operates on 220V with European-style two-pin plugs. Power outages occur regularly across both islands, sometimes lasting several hours. Most hotels have generators but smaller guesthouses do not. Telecommunications infrastructure is limited. The mobile network covers São Tomé city and main coastal towns but has minimal coverage in interior regions and on Príncipe. CST, the national telecom provider, offers prepaid SIM cards at approximately 50,000 dobras. Internet connectivity is slow and unreliable outside the capital.