São Tomé and Príncipe
Projeto Oceano "Ocean"
The Ocean is an incredible mystery and a source of inspiration. It’s probably the only thing I could stare at all day without stopping. The waves and the foam they create inspire me; the fish and sea currents fascinate me. In São Tomé, my mission will be the conservation and sustainable management of the Oceans. I will conduct an interview and follow the work of a foundation dedicated to marine conservation, sharing with Everyone the importance of the Oceans for the Planet.
Arriving in São Tomé
Lisbon is the only city outside the African continent with direct flights to São Tomé, operated by EuroAtlantic Airways and TAP Air Portugal.
The Google Flights is the search tool I regularly use to check ticket prices, purchasing them directly on the airlines' websites. With the FlightConnections, you can see all direct flights to the airport you want to fly to.
Health
Don't risk yourself or your (h)wealth. Step outside the usual. Sandra Monteiro Insurance Mediation offers the best options to help you save money on your travel insurance. They compare different insurance providers and choose the one that offers the best coverage at the best prices.
- Recommended Vaccines: Hepatite A, Febre Amarela e Febre Tifóide
- First Aid Kit: antimalarial tablets, insect repellent, sunscreen, antidiarrheal medication, band-aids, disinfectant (hand sanitizer), headache tablets.
Visa
Portuguese citizens do not need an entry permit for trips to São Tomé and Príncipe of up to 15 days. However, for longer stays, a visa is required: €25 for 30 days and €85 for 180 days.
You can apply for the visa on the website of the Immigration and Borders Service (SMF) or at the Embassy of São Tomé in Lisbon. For more information, contact: sconsular.stome@mne.pt.
Weather
Average annual temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C. The climate is equatorial and has two seasons:°C e os 30°C. O clima é equatorial e tem duas estações:
- Rainy Season: from February to May, and from October to December.
- Dry Season: from June to September.
Other Informations
- Money: The official currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STD). You can check the current exchange rate on XE.com. There are a few ATMs available, but it's advisable to carry some cash with you.
- Internet: Holafly does not yet offer eSIM cards for São Tomé. You can buy a local SIM card upon arrival in the country.
- Time Zone: GMT+0 (the same in winter, one hour behind in summer compared to mainland Portugal).
- Capital: São Tomé
- Typical Dishes: Ijogó; Soó de matabala, BláBlá; Izaquente, Calúlú.
Sustainable Tips
If you’re traveling to a country without potable water, you don’t need to keep relying on plastic bottles. There are bottles with filters that eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals: you save money and avoid waste. More Tips? Wash your clothes in an eco-friendly way during your trip and choose hemp backpacks, a durable and environmentally friendly material.
Sometimes, we really have to take the plane, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reduce the impact in other ways. If you consider yourself an adventurer and want to visit Príncipe Island, try taking the boat. Be sustainable and believe this: small choices make a big difference.
Did You Know That...
...São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest country in Africa?
…it was one of the first African countries to implement democracy?
…around 30% of the country is made up of natural parks?
