| April 6, 2004 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Sao Tome and Principe is a developing nation, comprising the islands of Sao Tome and Principe, located off the west coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism are limited, but adequate. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport, visa and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required for entry. Visas must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Permanent Mission of Sao Tome and Principe, 400 Park Ave., 7th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10022, telephone (212) 317-0533, fax (212) 935-7348. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Sao Tomean embassy or consulate. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens should maintain security awareness at all times. There was civil unrest in the capital city in July 2003. Therefore, American citizens are reminded to avoid large gatherings or any other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. In instances where such actions occur, American citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy in Gabon for the most up-to-date information. Taking photographs of military or government buildings is strictly forbidden. The Embassy informs the registered resident American community of security matters through a warden system (Please see the U.S. Government Representation section below for more information). CRIME: Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing and armed robbery do occur on the islands. Such crimes can occur anywhere, but are more prevalent in public places, such as in markets, on the streets, or near hotels. Do not display large amounts of cash in public. If possible, leave valuables and extra cash at your hotel while sightseeing or visiting the beach.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, which is in Libreville, Gabon. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa, for ways to promote a trouble free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Sao Tome and Principe are extremely limited. There is one hospital in the country, on the island of Sao Tome, and several clinics. However, the level of care is low. For all but minor medical needs, it is necessary to travel to Libreville, Gabon or Lisbon, Portugal. Additionally, some medicines are not available; travelers should carry, properly labeled required medicines and medications with them. MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars (US). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Malaria is endemic in Sao Tome and Principe. P. falciparum malaria, the serious and sometimes fatal strain found in many parts of Central Africa, including Sao Tome and Principe, is resistant to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine. Because travelers to Sao Tome and Principe are at high risk for contracting malaria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health website at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm. Further information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Travelers' Internet web site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Sao Tome and Principe is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance: Safety of Public Transportation: Public transportation is not available
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Non-existent Streets in the city of Sao Tome are paved, but large potholes are common. Major roads outside of town are also paved, and are less worn. Pedestrians and animals on the roads can be a major obstacle. There is no street lighting outside the capital. Some roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Only a few miles of paved roads exist on the island of Principe, and their conditions are similar to those in Sao Tome.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, home page at road_safety.html. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Sao Tome and Principe by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Sao Tome and Principe's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at
1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Sao Tome and Principe's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sao Tome and Principe are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. CURRENCY INFORMATION: Credit cards are accepted only at a few major hotels. Travelers' checks can be cashed at hotels and at one private bank in Sao Tome city, but transaction fees can be high. U.S. dollars are widely accepted at tourist establishments. CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at children's_issues.html or telephone 202-736-7000. U.S. GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION: There is no U.S. Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe. U.S. citizens living in or visiting Sao Tome and Principe who need assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, located on the Boulevard de la Mer. U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Sao Tome and Principe are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Libreville. The mailing address is B.P. 4000, Libreville, Gabon, telephone numbers: (241) 76-20-03/4 or 74-34-92. * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 18, 2003, to update the sections on Safety and Security and Aviation Safety Oversight. Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page | 
