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TRAVEL REPORTS:
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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 28, 2006 16:24 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:42 EST

São Tomé and Principe
1.
 INTRODUCTION
2. ATTENTION
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9. MONEY
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15. TRAVEL TIPS
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
18. ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

A minor editorial change has been done in section 13 of this Travel Report.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Armed robbery, burglary, and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in public places such as markets, streets, or near hotels, but incidents are rare. Ensure your personal belongings and your travel documents are secure. Avoid deserted beaches and poorly lit areas after dark. You should also avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

A coup d'état occurred in São Tomé and Príncipe on July 16, 2003. Political stability has been re-established; however, we recommend that Canadians travelling to São Tomé and Príncipe monitor local news reports and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Libreville, Gabon (see below). There have been no new reports of violence.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

 Emergency services are non-existent. Streets in São Tomé are paved but potholed. Roads outside the capital are paved and in fair condition, but lack lighting. Roaming animals pose a hazard. Car rentals, with or without drivers, can be arranged through major hotels. Other than taxis, there is no public transportation. Taxi fares should be negotiated prior to departure. Honking to warn of your approach is considered a normal practice.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from September to May. Some roads may be impassable during this period. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Homosexuality is illegal.

Photography of military or government buildings is strictly prohibited.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in São Tomé and Príncipe. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Cameroon - YAOUNDÉ, High Commission of Canada
Address: Immeuble SCI-TOM, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
Postal Address: P.O. Box 572, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Tel.: 237 223 2311
Fax: 237 222 1090
E-mail: yunde@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.yaounde.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé (Cameroon), and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Not issued (a tourist visa is issued to students).

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

An airport tax is charged upon departure.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the dobra. U.S. dollars, euros and CFA francs BEAC (Banque des États d'Afrique Centrale) are widely accepted. Credit cards can be used only at international hotels. Traveller's cheques may be cashed at hotels and one private bank in São Tomé.

There are no automated teller machines (ATMs).

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

São Tomé and Príncipe (capital: São Tomé) are islands in the Atlantic Ocean straddling the equator, 300 km off the coast of Gabon. Tourist facilities are limited, but adequate. Power outages are frequent. The official language is Portuguese. French and English are widely spoken at commercial establishments and hotels, but rarely elsewhere.



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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are very poor, and many medicines are not available. Buy sealed bottled water.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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Last Updated:
2006-08-28

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