Health Recommendations for Travelers to São Tomé

São Tomé is a tropical destination, so a few simple health precautions can make your trip more comfortable. Before travelling, check the latest recommendations for vaccinations, malaria prevention, medicines, and travel insurance.

Bring the medicines you normally use with you. Some medicines and medical supplies may be difficult to find locally or may have different names. It is also a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit and copies of important prescriptions.

Medical Assistance in São Tomé

Most medical facilities are located in and around São Tomé city. Pharmacies are also available in the capital and can provide basic medicines and health products.

For a routine medical consultation, you can visit a local health center. For more serious problems or emergencies, the National Hospital (Bairro do Hospital) provides medical care also, the Clinica ARS (Bairro Vila Maria).

Medical consultations are generally affordable. However, travelers with serious medical conditions or those requiring major surgery should discuss their travel plans and insurance coverage with their doctor before departure.

French-Speaking Doctors

For travelers who prefer to consult a French-speaking doctor, the following local contacts may be useful:

Dr. Maurice Ganev: +239 991 39 64
Dr. Jorge Vilez: +239 984 57 47

Keep these numbers separately from your phone, for example in your travel documents.

Vaccinations Before Your Trip

Check your routine vaccinations before travelling. Depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances, your doctor may also recommend vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or typhoid. The CDC currently recommends hepatitis A vaccination for unvaccinated travelers to São Tomé and Príncipe and recommends hepatitis B vaccination for unvaccinated travelers.

Yellow Fever

São Tomé and Príncipe generally does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from countries without yellow fever transmission.

However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever transmission occurs. The requirement can also apply after a qualifying transit through a risk country.

Therefore, check the entry requirements for your complete itinerary, including transit countries, before departure.

If vaccination is required for your journey, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis with your travel documents.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria remains a health risk in São Tomé and Príncipe. Current travel-health guidance considers malaria transmission possible throughout the country. Therefore, travelers should discuss malaria prevention with a healthcare professional before travelling.

Your doctor can advise whether you should take preventive medication and which option is appropriate for you. Do not choose or start malaria medication without professional medical advice.

You should also protect yourself against mosquito bites:

  • Use an effective mosquito repellent.
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly in the evening.
  • Sleep in accommodation with screens, air conditioning, or a mosquito net when possible.
  • Follow the instructions for any malaria medication prescribed to you.

If you develop a fever during or after your trip, seek medical attention promptly and tell the doctor that you have travelled to São Tomé. Malaria can become serious if treatment is delayed.

Protect Yourself From the Sun and Heat

São Tomé has a warm tropical climate. Sun exposure and dehydration can become uncomfortable, particularly during hikes, sightseeing, or long days outdoors.

Drink water regularly and use sunscreen. A hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing can also make outdoor activities more comfortable.

When hiking or travelling to remote areas, carry enough drinking water for the journey.

Food and Water

Take sensible precautions with food and drinking water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

Wash your hands regularly and choose food that has been properly cooked. When in doubt about the safety of drinking water, use bottled or otherwise treated water.

The CDC also recommends safe food and water practices for preventing illnesses such as typhoid.

Sea Urchins and Beach Injuries

Some beaches around São Tomé have rocky or reef areas where sea urchins may be present.

Before entering the water, look carefully at the seabed and ask local residents about the safest places to swim. Water shoes can provide additional protection in rocky areas.

If you step on a sea urchin, avoid digging deeply into the skin or using improvised methods to remove embedded spines. Seek medical advice if spines remain, the wound is deep, or you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, or other signs of infection.

Protect Yourself From Insect Bites

Mosquitoes and other insects are part of the tropical environment. Use repellent when appropriate and wear suitable clothing when visiting forests, plantations, or other areas with significant vegetation.

For longer hikes or remote excursions, consider carrying repellent and a small first-aid kit.

Animals and Minor Injuries

Avoid touching unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly. Dogs are common in São Tomé and Príncipe, and travelers should take animal bites and scratches seriously.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, clean the wound promptly and seek medical advice. Rabies vaccination may be recommended for some travelers depending on their activities and access to medical care.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Preparation

Travel insurance with appropriate medical coverage is strongly recommended.

Before leaving, save the contact details of your insurer and keep your important medical information accessible. If you take prescription medication, bring enough for your entire trip and keep it in its original packaging. The CDC also recommends carrying copies of prescriptions and bringing extra supplies in case of travel delays.

A Simple Health Checklist

Before travelling to São Tomé, make sure you:

  • Check your routine vaccinations.
  • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention.
  • Check whether yellow fever requirements apply to your itinerary.
  • Bring your regular medicines and prescriptions.
  • Pack mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Carry a small first-aid kit.
  • Take appropriate travel insurance.
  • Save useful medical and emergency contacts.
  • Drink enough water and protect yourself from the sun.

Enjoy São Tomé Safely

São Tomé offers beaches, forests, plantations, hiking trails, and remote natural areas. With a little preparation, most travelers can enjoy these experiences comfortably.

Health recommendations can change, and individual medical needs vary. For this reason, consult a qualified healthcare professional before travelling and check the latest official travel-health information for your itinerary.

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