São Tomé and Príncipe Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for São Tomé and Príncipe
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated October 8, 2025
São Tomé and Príncipe recorded 3.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2011, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places São Tomé and Príncipe #92 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 34% over the past decade (from 2.4 in 2006). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates São Tomé and Príncipe at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#104 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2011
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2011)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 34% over the past decade (from 2.4 in 2006). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How São Tomé and Príncipe Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for São Tomé and Príncipe:
Exercise Increased Caution in So Tom and Prncipe due to health risks . Medical services in So Tom and Prncipe are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler's expense. Review our information on Travel Insurance . If you decide to travel to So Tom and Prncipe: Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for São Tomé and Príncipe
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated October 27, 2025).
Crime
Burglary, pick-pocketing, and armed home invasion have occurred on the islands, particularly around the winter holidays. Pickpocketing is prevalent in crowded areas such as markets, beaches, busy streets, or near hotels. To minimize your risk of being the victim of crime, you should: Not display large amounts of cash, Carry a minimal amount of cash, Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, Put valuables and extra cash in your hotel safe. If you are the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking, you are encouraged to surrender your property to avoid injury, and to report all incidents to the police and the U.S. Embassy in Luanda. Police response time can be slow. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 222-22-22, or dial 113 for rapid response police. For cases of domestic violence, dial 150. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Luanda, Angola at +(244) 222641 000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . The U.S. Embassy can: Help you find appropriate medical care, Assist you in reporting a crime to the police, Contact relatives or friends with your written consent, Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms, Provide a list of local attorneys, Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States, Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution, Replace a stolen or lost passport.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are inconsistent. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be certified by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
São Tomé and Príncipe Population & Demographics
Population of 235,536, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is São Tomé and Príncipe safe to visit?
The US State Department rates São Tomé and Príncipe at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include health. The homicide rate of 3.2 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe has an intentional homicide rate of 3.2 per 100,000 people (2011, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #92 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in São Tomé and Príncipe compare to other countries?
São Tomé and Príncipe's homicide rate of 3.2 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.