Briefing de orientación en Santo Tomé y Príncipe

Portugal descubrió y colonizó las deshabitadas islas de Santo Tomé y Príncipe a finales del siglo XV, y estableció una economía basada en el azúcar que dio paso al café y al cacao en el siglo XIX, todos ellos cultivados con mano de obra esclava africana, una forma de la cual perduró hasta el siglo XX. Aunque la independencia se logró en 1975, las reformas democráticas no se implantaron hasta finales de la década de 1980.

El país celebró sus primeras elecciones libres en 1991, pero las frecuentes disputas internas entre los distintos partidos políticos provocaron reiterados cambios de liderazgo y intentos de golpe de Estado no violentos y fallidos en 1995, 1998, 2003 y 2009. En 2012, tres partidos de la oposición se unieron en una moción de censura para derribar al gobierno de mayoría del antiguo primer ministro Patrice TROVOADA, pero las elecciones legislativas lo devolvieron al cargo dos años después. Evaristo CARVALHO, del mismo partido político que TROVOADA, fue elegido presidente en 2016, lo que constituyó un caso poco frecuente en el que un mismo partido ocupaba los cargos de presidente y primer ministro. TROVOADA dimitió en 2018 y fue sustituido por Jorge BOM JESUS. Carlos Vila NOVA fue elegido presidente en 2021. TROVOADA inició su cuarto mandato como primer ministro en 2022, tras la victoria de su partido en las elecciones legislativas.

Economic difficulties and political rows over the handling of investments in São Tomé and Príncipe’s development can occasionally lead to civil unrest. 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.      

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in São Tomé and Príncipe 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in São Tomé and Príncipe, attacks cannot be ruled out.   

Political situation  

Economic difficulties and political rows over the handling of investments in São Tomé and Príncipe’s development can occasionally lead to civil unrest. 

Crime 

The crime rate in São Tomé and Príncipe is generally low, but burglaries and armed robberies can happen. You can take steps to reduce your risk and help protect your belongings, including: 

• not wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash 
• not taking valuables to the beach 
• keeping valuable documents somewhere secure, such as a hotel safe 

Laws and cultural differences 

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. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Money 

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. 

Transport risks  

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in São Tomé and Príncipe, see information on driving abroad. 

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. 

Road conditions 

Many roads are in poor condition and unlit, particularly outside the capital. Animals often walk on roads at night. Landslides after heavy rain can block roads. 

Public transport 

Taxis and motorbike taxis (‘motoqueiros’) are the only forms of public transport. They are often unsafe and in poor condition. It’s common for people to share taxis.  

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in São Tomé and Príncipe that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.  

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 222 22 22 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for São Tomé and Príncipe 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in São Tomé and Príncipe 

Medical facilities on São Tomé and Príncipe are limited and many health conditions need evacuation to Europe, South Africa, Ghana or Gabon for treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.