Sao Tome and Principe – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Advisory Issued October 8, 2025

Exercise Increased Caution in São Tomé and Príncipe due to health risks.

Medical services in São Tomé and Príncipe are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

• If you decide to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe:  
• Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. 
• Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance. 
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to São Tomé and Príncipe. 
• Bring enough supply of over the counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip. 
• Have sufficient access to cash (U.S. dollars or local currency) to pay for medical services as credit or debit cards are not widely accepted by medical facilities. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for São Tomé and Príncipe.  
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for São Tomé and Príncipe.  
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist. 
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage. 

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/sao-tome-and-principe-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: October 8, 2025