{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624895,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:35"}},"data":{"country-iso":"ST","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Principe","url-slug":"sao-tome-and-principe","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 13:22 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for São Tomé and Príncipe. Exercise normal security precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
There is no resident Canadian government office in São Tomé and Príncipe, which limits the Government of Canada in providing consular assistance to Canadian citizens in São Tomé and Príncipe. If you are confronted with an emergency, you will have to make your way to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or rely on your own resources.<\/p>\n
Although the country is generally stable, incidents of unrest can arise occasionally. Indications of tension have recently been observed between the government and members of the São Tomé and Príncipe special police forces. You should be vigilant in these circumstances even though these incidents are relatively isolated. You are advised to avoid large crowds and demonstrations and monitor local news reports.<\/p>\n
Armed robbery, burglary, and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in public areas 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.<\/p>\n
Tourist facilities are limited but adequate.<\/p>\n
Power outages occur frequently.<\/p>\n
Telecommunications services such as mobile phone, landlines and internet access are limited, making it difficult to communicate with anyone outside the country.<\/p>\n
Streets in São Tomé are paved but there are many large potholes. Roads outside the capital are paved and in fair condition, but they are poorly lit and can be impassable during the rainy season. Roaming animals pose a hazard. Car rentals, with or without drivers, can be arranged through major hotels. Honking to warn of your approach is considered a normal practice. Emergency roadside services are non-existent.<\/p>\n
Other than taxis, there is no public transportation. Taxi fares should be negotiated prior to departure.<\/p>\n
There is air transportation between São Tomé and Príncipe islands but seats must be reserved in advance.<\/p>\n
Consult our Transportation FAQ<\/a> in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report<\/a> published by the International Maritime Bureau.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the São Toméan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe<\/a> and its consulate<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit São Tomé and Príncipe, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n Canadians must also be in possession of a visa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required An airport tax (US$20 for adults and US$10 for children) is charged upon departure from the country. These fees are set by the local government and may change without notice.<\/p>\n Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Piracy<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Not issued (a tourist visa is issued to students).<\/p>\nAirport tax<\/h3>\n
Same-sex marriages<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>