Sao Tome and Principe
Last update 18 March 2020Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
The Republic of Bulgaria has no functioning embassy in Sao Tome. Bulgarian nationals residing for a short or longer period of time in Sao Tome can contact on consular issues the embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Address: 10 Euphrates str, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Telephone: +234 9 672 43 59; +234 9 413 00 34
Fax: +234 9 413 27 41
Officehours: 09.00 - 12.30 h
Consular Post
Telephone: +234 9 670 99 86
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The embassy of Sao Tome and Principe in Washington, USA is accredited for Bulgaria.
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe in the USA
Address: 1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 300, DC 20036, Washington, USA
Telephone: +1 202 7752075; +1 202 7752076
Fax: +1 202 7752077
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
general information
Local currency
Dobra (STD)
Having US dollars is recommended.
Crime and security
Those who travel are recommended to be especially cautious with regard to their personal security.
Travelling in the interior of the country and especially at night should be avoided.
It is recommended to have a copy of an identity document and not to carry much cash.
There is a high rate of criminality and petty thefts.
Legislation specifics
In Sao Tome and Principe homosexuality is prohibited and is subject to prosecution by law.
Customs requirements
In São Tomé onecan import unlimited amount of local and foreign currency, but it must be declared. Personal belongings are exempt from duty on entry.
Import of alcohol is prohibited.
There are no restrictions on exports of goods from the country, while for thecurrency - within the declared upon entry.
Road traffic
Public transport, taxis and rented cars can be used.
Healthcare
Be careful when eating fruits and vegetables.
Water can be drunk and used boiled only and as an exception.
Low level of health protection.
Travel papers and visas
Valid international passport is required for entry into the country.
Immunization against yellow fever is recommended.
Updated information on the necessary vaccines for São Tomé can be obtained from the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Telephone: +359 2 944 69 99/221.
Bulgarian nationals travelling to São Tomé (holders of ordinary, official and diplomatic passports) do not need a visa for stay of up to 90 days.
Practical advice
Consumption of more liquid substances and low-fat foods is essential as is avoiding of alcohol.
High air humidity.
Competitive service
In extreme situations – in case of damaged, lost or stolen passport, Bulgarian nationals can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at the Embassy of any EU Member State in São Tomé
Certification and Legalisation
São Tomé is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents.
In order to be valid in Bulgaria, all documents issued by the authorities of São Tomé to Bulgarian nationals have to bear an Apostil of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of São Tomé.
Compiled in this way, documents have to be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized translation agency in Bulgaria and the translations have to be legalised in Certification and Legalisation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.