Sao Tome and Principe
Last update 14 November 2022Diplomatic 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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We recommend to the Bulgarian citizens to refrain from traveling!
Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in the capital of Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe – São Tomé. Bulgarian citizens residing in Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe for a short or long period of time may apply for consular services at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Nigeria
Address: 10 Euphrates Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Tel .: + 234 9038600017; +234 8033078578
Phone only for emergencies only: +234 903 000 0275
Working hours: 9.00 - 17.30
Reception hours at the Consular Service: 09.00-12.00
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe has not embassy accredited for Bulgaria.
General information
Local currency
Dobra (STD)
It is recommended to carry US dollars. The possibilities for payment by bank cards are very limited.
Crime and security
The situation around the tourist sites is generally calm. Compared to other countries in the region, the number of criminal offenses and pickpocketing is not very high.
Avoid traveling at night. It is recommended to have with you only a copy of ID document and some money.
Legislation
It is forbidden to photograph military sites and sites of strategic importance, as well as administrative buildings.
Customs requirements
In Sao Tome you can import an unlimited amount of local and foreign currency, but it must be declared. You can import goods for personal use as duty-free.
The import of alcohol is prohibited.
There are no restrictions on exports from the country of goods, as well as for currency, and currency above the equivalent of 10,000 euros must be declared.
Traffic on the roads
Public transport, taxis and car rentals are used.
Healthcare
Low level of healthcare.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens traveling to Sao Tome and Principe (holders of ordinary, official and diplomatic passports) do not need a visa for a stay of up to 14 days.
Immunization against yellow fever is mandatory.
Practical advice
Be careful when eating fruits and vegetables - after washing do not eat immediately, but leave in the sun for 10-15 minutes.
Water should be boiled or bottled.
Although there are no relevant prohibitions in the legislation, the traditional society in São Tomé and Príncipe is stereotyped towards demonstrating sexual orientation.
Competitive service
Certifications and legalizations
Sao Tome is a party to the Hague Convention on the Elimination of the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Acts.
In order to be valid in Bulgaria, all documents issued by the authorities in Sao Tome to Bulgarian citizens should be issued with an apostille of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in São Tomé.
Thereafter, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized Translation Agency in Bulgaria, and the translation certified by the Department of Certification and Legalization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
European Emergency Travel Document
In some cases - in case of damage, loss or stolen passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for a European Emergency Travel Document (ETD) before an embassy of an EU Member State in São Tomé.