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Before you go to São Tomé & Príncipe: what to know

Must know

  • Tourism visits up to 15 days are visa-free. A EUR 20 entry fee is payable on arrival, with US dollars or local currency also accepted.
  • Cards are mainly accepted at major international hotels. Foreign bank cards cannot be relied on for ATM withdrawals; arrange sufficient cash.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Tourism visits up to 15 days are visa-free. A EUR 20 entry fee is payable on arrival, with US dollars or local currency also accepted. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: Valid for the duration of the stay.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cards are mainly accepted at major international hotels. Foreign bank cards cannot be relied on for ATM withdrawals; arrange sufficient cash.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗, bcstp.st ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Photographing airports, military sites or government buildings.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

September–May is the main rainy-season window; flooding can damage roads and infrastructure.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: dgrn.gov.st ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.