São Tomé and Príncipe

Central Africa · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Global Measles

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travellers should be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

For most travellers to São Tomé and Príncipe, CDC recommends hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines, plus staying current with routine immunisations. Typhoid and rabies may be advised for some travellers. Malaria is present throughout the country, so antimalarial medication and mosquito-bite prevention are essential. Yellow fever is required only if you arrive from a country with risk. See a travel health doctor 4-6 weeks before departure.

Malaria is a year-round risk throughout São Tomé and Príncipe.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to São Tomé and Príncipe from most countries.

Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — Required for travellers arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission (including layovers over 12 hours). CDC does not generally recommend the vaccine for this destination.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Malaria is a risk throughout São Tomé and Príncipe. CDC advises chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine); chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum predominates.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Food & water safety

Moderate risk

Exercise food and water precautions, particularly in rural areas and budget accommodation. Bottled or treated water is advisable. Avoid raw shellfish and salads washed in tap water. Choose cooked food served hot.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateOnly if arriving from a YF-risk country

Take antimalarial medication and prevent mosquito bites. Avoid swimming in fresh water (schistosomiasis), avoid contaminated water (leptospirosis) and rodents (hantavirus), and follow safe food and water practices.

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Source: CDC Travelers' Health — São Tomé and Príncipe.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.