São Tomé and Principe Visitor Information

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São Tomé and Principe Guide

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Climate

Climate Chart for São Tomé and Principe

At sea level, the climate is tropical, hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27°C (80°F) and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20°C (68°F), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimeters (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimeters (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. The rainy season runs from October to May.

Travel Advice Links

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)

US State Department - Travel Warnings

Visas and Immigration

A visa is required by most nationals, including British and other European citizens. These can be obtained through a São Tomé embassy (few and far between) or in certain cases on arrival.

Money

Official Currency: Dobra
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

Getting Around

Air

The national airline is Air São Tomé e Príncipe (KY), a subsidiary of TAP Air Portugal. It operates flights regularly between São Tomé and Libreville (Gabon), where they connect with ingoing or outgoing long-haul flights to or from Europe. TAP Air Portugal operates flights from Lisbon and there is also a scheduled flight from Angola.

If you are travelling from Europe you will fly via Lisbon in Portugal. At the time of writing two airlines serve the route, TAP Air Portugal and Air Luxor, both with a weekly service. An alternative option is to travel via Gabon, from where there are up to four flights a week between Libreville and São Tomé and v.v. The final option is TAAG Angolan Airlines weekly flight from Luanda, which continues, to Accra, Ghana and Cape Verde.

Lake Ferry

The main port is São Tomé, but this is not deep-water and few international cruise lines or other passenger ships call there; however, boats do sail there from Libreville and Doula. A limited ferry service operates between São Tomé and Príncipe.

Railways / Train Services

Bus

There is a bus network, and share taxis are also in operation. The only public transport on Principe is a minibus.

Hitching

Road

Driving is carried out on the right hand side. An International Driving Licence is not currently required , but it is adviseable to have one. Few of the roads around São Tomé town are asphalted, but 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary to get further afield: animals on the road and potholes may cause problems. There is street lighting only in the capital. : An International Driving Permit is not legally required but is recommended.

If you are travelling in your own vehicle A carnet de passage is usually required. Most the roads are in relatively good condition. If travelling through the Sahara, be sure to have sufficient fuel and water to see you through. There is high incidence of motor vehicle accidents so always wear seatbelts and best to avoid night driving