Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
The whole archipelago is under heightened vigilance, notably because there is no emergency response capacity.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, safety
Crime
Crime is generally low, but pickpocketing, armed robbery and burglary occur. Leave nothing unattended, especially on beaches, and keep your passport in a safe with a photocopy on you.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), São Tomé and Príncipe travel advice: safety and security
In town
Stay away from demonstrations and gatherings.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, safety
Sea, climate and natural hazards
Piracy is a high risk in the Gulf of Guinea: recreational sailing is strongly advised against.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Police 222 22 22 or 113, fire 112.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, useful contactsGOV.UK (FCDO), São Tomé and Príncipe travel advice: getting help· Oct 2, 2026
Honorary consul of France
Passport: FranceHonorary consulate; the responsible embassy and consulate general are in Libreville (Gabon).
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, useful contactsFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
High Commission of Canada in Nigeria (covering Sao Tomé)
Passport: CanadaCanada has no office in São Tomé; consular assistance is provided from Abuja.
13010G Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja (Nigeria)+234 209 461 2900abuja@international.gc.caGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: São Tomé and Príncipe, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), São Tomé and Príncipe travel advice: safety and security · Source updated: December 10, 2025 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.