São Tomé and Príncipe - safety

Is It Safe to Travel to São Tomé and Príncipe? Safety on the Islands

São Tomé and Príncipe stands out as the third country in the world and the first in Africa with the lowest crime rate, according to the Global Organized Crime Index for 2020, released on September 28 by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

In the African context, São Tomé and Príncipe exemplifies security, showcasing a resilience indicator against crime of 4.92 points, ranking 13th among 54 African states. This reflects the government's and local institutions' capacity to respond effectively to organized crime.

Together with Cape Verde and Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe is part of the select group of Portuguese-speaking African countries that surpassed the continental average, which was 3.8 points in 2020. This resilience is crucial for ensuring a safe and stable environment for its citizens and supporting economic development.

The analysis of the data highlights the positive security situation in São Tomé and Príncipe, especially considering that nearly 80% of the global population lives in nations with high crime rates. Mark Shaw, the director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, warns about the increasing impact of organized crime, emphasizing human exploitation as one of the most prevalent forms of criminal economy.

With its low crime rate and high resilience, São Tomé and Príncipe exemplifies an effective approach in the fight against crime, providing a model for other countries striving to enhance their security and quality of life.

While crime rates are generally low in São Tomé and Príncipe, incidents of burglary and robbery can occur. To minimize risks and protect personal belongings, travelers should avoid wearing expensive jewelry, refrain from carrying large amounts of cash, and secure valuable documents in a hotel safe.