Which vaccines do you need for Sao Tome and Principe?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Measles (MMR)Make sure you have had two doses of MMR, or are otherwise immune.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
- Yellow feverFor travel to risk areas; suitability depends on age and health. Certificate rules are covered separately below.
Entry requirements and certificates
A certificate is required only from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, including some airport transits. Travelling directly from Malta does not normally trigger this rule.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Sao Tome and Principe
Transmission risk
There is a low potential for yellow fever exposure in Sao Tome and Principe.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for some travellers to Sao Tome and Principe, depending on the areas visited. Suitability depends on age and health, so it needs a clinician’s assessment.
Certificate
A certificate is required only from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, including some airport transits. Travelling directly from Malta does not normally trigger this rule.
Malaria in Sao Tome and Principe
- High risk
High risk of malaria in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Antimalarial tablets are usually advised — a clinician chooses if and which, based on you and your route.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Biting insects or ticks
- Chikungunya
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Schistosomiasis
- Sexually transmitted infections
What travellers to Sao Tome and Principe should consider
Malaria is a significant consideration in Sao Tome and Principe. Tell your clinician where you will sleep each night, because prevention is matched to specific areas rather than the whole country.
Yellow fever has a low potential for exposure across Sao Tome and Principe, which is a separate question from any entry certificate rule.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water where schistosomiasis is reported.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Sao Tome and Principe?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.