High riskAfrica · Middle AfricaSao Tome and Principe Travel Health Guide
High risk
Sao Tome and Principe carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout São Tomé and Príncipe. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are current, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to São Tomé and Príncipe, including infants 6-11 months old.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers regardless of age.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. Make sure you're fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel, including early vaccination for infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially if you're staying with friends/family or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Rabies
Rabid dogs are commonly found in São Tomé and Príncipe. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you'll be around animals or in areas where medical care may be limited.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is generally not recommended for São Tomé and Príncipe, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have a long layover in such countries.
Disease risks
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout São Tomé and Príncipe. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed, starting before your trip and continuing during and after. The malaria parasites are resistant to chloroquine.
Emergency numbers
Police
222
Medical / Ambulance
222
Fire
112
U.S. Embassy
+239-222-3709
Sao Tome and Principe travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Sao Tome and Principe?▼
For travel to Sao Tome and Principe, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Sao Tome and Principe?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Sao Tome and Principe. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Sao Tome and Principe?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Sao Tome and Principe is currently rated high risk. Sao Tome and Principe carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout São Tomé and Príncipe. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Sao Tome and Principe?▼
Key emergency numbers in Sao Tome and Principe are Police 222, Medical / Ambulance 222, Fire 112 and U.S. Embassy +239-222-3709. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
AngolaHigh riskAngola carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Angola. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
CameroonHigh riskCameroon carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Cameroon year-round. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Central African RepublicHigh riskCentral African Republic carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Central African Republic. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Sao Tome and Principe trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Sao Tome and Principe — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.