The government has declared that from March 17, it will be closed for entry for foreign citizens. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
Most trips to Sao Tome and Principe take place without major problems or challenges. There is no Norwegian embassy or honorary consulate in the country.
Responsible Norwegian Embassy for Sao Tome and Principe is
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Luanda
Tel: +244 222 447 522/447 922 • +47 23981902/19
Fax: +244 222 446 248
Address: Rua Garcia Neto nº 9, Miramar, CP 3835, Luanda, Angola
Email: emb.luanda@mfa.no
Embassy website in Angola
The risk of terror in São Tom¨¦ & Pr¨ªncipe is considered low. Crime is low, but robbery can occur. There is reason to pay extra attention to valuables on the beach and at typical tourist destinations.
Taxis can be hired when you arrive at the airport, but it is recommended to book this through the hotel before departure. You can also rent a car both with and without a driver.
The traffic picture is easy and clear. However, the majority of roads are in poor condition and care should be taken during periods of heavy rainfall (erosion). It is also encouraged to exercise caution by driving after dark.
Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Sao Tome and Principe are encouraged to register at reiseregistrering.no. Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
In the event of an emergency, the embassy can be contacted on +244 222 44 9936 or +244 222 44 7922.
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents and vaccination cards are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry regulations to each country.
The rules for entry into Sao Tome and Principe are somewhat easier than for many other countries in the region.
There is visa freedom for Norwegian citizens to Sao Tome.
For the latest updated information on entry rules to the country, travelers are encouraged to check with the country’s nearest embassy.
It is recommended that the traveler always carry a passport with him. Roadblocks and unidentified police identification checks may occur. The passport must be valid for the length of time you will be staying in the country. No further validity period on passport is required at Sao Tome and Principe.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Sao Tome and Principe infections have not been reported. Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. See also WHO’s coronavirus website.
The government has declared that from March 17, it will be closed for entry for foreign citizens. National citizens, as well as foreign nationals with residence permits, who wish to return may enter the country but will be placed in the home quarantine.
Nor will any foreign citizen working on fishing boats in the area be able to land.
All cruise and charter traffic has been canceled for the time being.
All schools, both public and private, are closed for the time being.
All public gatherings of a cultural and religious nature, as well as sports events are canceled. It is also not allowed to use the wellness center and disco / pub.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
***
The standard and quality of health services, clinics and hospitals are low. Evacuation to Europe or South Africa in case of serious accidents, surgeries and births is common. A comprehensive and good health insurance is therefore necessary. It is recommended to have insurance that can cover medical evacuation costs.
Malaria, and other tropical diseases are widespread. Sao Tome and Principe were not included in the Ebola outbreak in 2014-15.
The World Health Organization webpages usually have updated information on health challenges and outbreaks.
Seek medical advice well in advance of departure. Most visitors take malaria prophylaxis. Reference is made to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health for official health professional travel advice and health professional guidance to Norwegians when traveling abroad.
Practical information
The time difference between Norway and Sao Tome and Principe is two hours (Norway ahead) in the summer, and one hour in the winter.
The electricity is 220 volts and you use the same outlet as in Norway.
National telephone code: +239 (allcitycodes)
Sao Tome and Principe has very few ATMs, and card payments are only made exceptionally. It is therefore sensible to include the euro upon entry.
National Holy Days and Holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), February 3 (Martyrs Day), May 1 (Workers’ Day), July 12 (Independence Day), September 6 (Armed Forces Day), September 30 (agricultural reform day), November 1 (all weekend), December 21 (Sao Tom¨¦ Day), December 25 (First Christmas Day).
Currency unit is dry.
Be careful about photographing military facilities and their surroundings. Please note that flights between Sao Tome and the smaller island of Principe must be booked well in advance.