Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a singular country made up of a pair of islands.
The original settlers of the islands were Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. The islands are known for their rich volcanic soil. They are a hub for sugar, coffee, and cocoa.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sao Tome and Principe
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sao Tome and Principe?
What Is the Climate Like in Sao Tome and Principe?
How Safe Is Sao Tome and Principe?
Obo National Park
What Should I Take to Sao Tome and Principe?
Canadian Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
Do I Need Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sao Tome and Principe. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for some specific itineraries. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for some specific itineraries. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Sao Tome and Principe |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective immunization that protects against the virus, usually given in two shots for long-term prevention.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, spread by infected mosquitoes, poses a significant health threat, especially in parts of Africa and South America. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, offering strong immunity to travellers. The vaccine’s effectiveness and long-lasting protection make it a critical tool in curbing the disease’s spread.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Malaria in Sao Tome and Principe
Malaria is present in all regions of Sao Tome and Principe. Travellers are advised to take antimalarials no matter their destination or itinerary in the country. Malaria in Sao Tome and Principe is chloroquine resistant, be sure to speak with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial is best for your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sao Tome and Principe
Prevent Bug Bites in Sao Tome and Principe
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Sao Tome and Principe
When eating abroad, prioritize cooked and hot foods, choose reputable eateries, and practice good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages, avoid tap water, and enjoy hot drinks or alcohol responsibly. To avoid travellers’ diarrhea, follow these tips: eat well-prepared foods, drink safe water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be selective about local dishes.
Infections To Be Aware of in Sao Tome and Principe
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a prevalent tropical parasitic disease, spreads through contact with contaminated water. To combat it, avoid infected water sources and use protective clothing.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sao Tome and Principe?
A visa is not required for stays under 15 days in Sao Tome and Principe. The Government of Canada advises that travellers must have a passport valid for the duration of their stay.
Sao Tome and Principe Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Sao Tome and Principe? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe and Canadian Travel and Tourism
There is no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Sao Tome and Principe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is a tropical country with warm and humid weather all year round. The country has two rainy seasons: from October to December and from February to May, with the heaviest rainfall in March and April. The popular tourist destinations in São Tomé and Príncipe are São Tomé Island and Príncipe Island, as well as Praia Banana Beach and Obo National Park.
São Tomé Island’s weather is warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees. Príncipe Island’s average temperature is slightly cooler, ranging from 20 to 30. Visitors to São Tomé and Príncipe should expect a tropical climate with the potential for heavy rainfall, especially during the rainy seasons.
Praia Banana Beach is a popular destination with an average temperature of 25 degrees. While Obo National Park has a similar climate, it receives significant rainfall throughout the year.
It is recommended for visitors to pack lightweight clothing, rain gear, and insect repellent when travelling to Sao Tome.
How Safe Is Sao Tome and Principe?
When visiting Sao Tome and Principe it’s important to take certain precautions to stay safe. To start, be aware of your surroundings, especially in public places. Avoid walking alone at night and protect yourself from mosquito bites. It’s also best to drink bottled or boiled water to stay healthy.
Before booking accommodations, research to ensure that they have proper security measures. Be careful when using public transportation and keep an eye on your belongings. Finally, respect local customs and traditions.
By following these tips, you can have a great time exploring Sao Tome and Principe while staying safe and secure.
Obo National Park
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Obo National Park is a place in Sao Tome and Principe where tourists can visit to see a lot of different kinds of animals and plants.
People can go hiking on the trails in the park and see the rainforest, savanna and mangrove habitats. There are also many birds in the park that are only found in Sao Tome and Principe, so people who like watching birds can have fun here.
Some tours in the park also include visiting an old village that used to make sugar and rum. People who are interested in learning about the park’s ecology and history can join these tours.
Obo National Park is a great place to visit for people who love nature and want to see unique plants and animals.
What Should I Take to Sao Tome and Principe?
When travelling to São Tomé and Príncipe it’s important to pack the right items. Here are some essential things to bring:
- Light, breathable clothes made of cotton or linen to deal with the hot, humid climate.
- Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes that can carry diseases.
- Sunscreen to prevent sunburn in the hot weather.
- Water-resistant shoes for hiking and walking on rugged, muddy terrain.
- A camera to capture the natural beauty and colonial-era architecture.
- A basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and prescription medications.
- Cash and credit cards as backup since ATMs can be unreliable.
- An electrical adapter to use electronic devices.
- A reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water.
- A travel guide to help navigate the islands and find the best places to visit.
By packing these items, travellers can enjoy their trip to São Tomé and Príncipe and be prepared for the tropical climate and rugged terrain.
Canadian Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe
There is no Canadian diplomatic presence on the islands. Contact the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria for any consular needs you may have:
Canadian Embassy in Nigeria
13010G, Palm close, Diplomatic drive,
Central Business District,
Abuja, Nigeria
Tel.: +234 (09) 461 2900
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Sao Tome and Principe
“Our nurse provided exceptional service. She was ready for me and fully prepared. She gave me a lot of information as well as excellent and clearly knowledgeable advice for Sao Tome. She also answered all my questions. I highly recommend Passport Health.”
“Friendly and personable nurse who administered my vaccines. She was able to give me a good overview of what was recommended for my trip and how to stay safe overall when I travel to Sao Tome.”
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