São Tomé Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa, welcomes international visitors with relatively straightforward entry requirements. The country has modernized its visa system in recent years, introducing an electronic visa (e-Visa) option that has simplified the entry process for most travelers. Visitors arrive primarily through São Tomé International Airport, where immigration and customs procedures are generally efficient, though travelers should be prepared for a smaller-scale operation compared to larger international airports. Most nationalities can obtain authorization to enter São Tomé and Príncipe, either through visa-free entry, an electronic visa obtained before travel, or a visa on arrival. The standard tourist visa typically allows stays of up to 15 days, with options to extend for longer visits. All travelers must present a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of accommodation arrangements. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. It's important to note that São Tomé and Príncipe's entry requirements can change, and the application of visa policies may vary depending on diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements. Travelers should always verify current requirements with the nearest São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate, or through official government channels, well in advance of their planned departure date.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

São Tomé and Príncipe operates a visa system that includes visa-free entry for select nationalities, electronic visas (e-Visas) for most travelers, and visa on arrival options. The type of authorization required depends on your nationality and purpose of visit.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 15 days for tourism

Citizens of certain countries within ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and a few other nations with special agreements

Includes

Cape Verde Guinea-Bissau Nigeria Senegal Ghana Portugal (under certain conditions)

Even visa-exempt travelers must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, proof of accommodation, and return/onward ticket. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

15 days (single entry) or 30 days (multiple entry), extendable

Most nationalities can apply for an electronic visa online before travel, which is the recommended method for entry

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most European Union countries South Africa Brazil China India Japan South Korea Most other nationalities not on visa-free list

How to Apply: Apply online through the official e-Visa portal (www.smf.st/virtualvisa or www.visa.gov.st). Applications should be submitted at least 7 days before travel, though processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Upload required documents including passport copy, photo, proof of accommodation, and return ticket.
Cost: Approximately €20-60 USD depending on visa type (15-day single entry, 30-day multiple entry). Payment by credit/debit card.

Print the e-Visa approval and present it upon arrival with your passport. The e-Visa must be obtained before travel; it is not the same as visa on arrival.

Visa on Arrival

15 days typically

Available for most nationalities if e-Visa was not obtained in advance, though e-Visa is strongly recommended

How to Apply: Available at São Tomé International Airport immigration desk. Complete arrival form, present required documents, and pay visa fee in cash (USD or Euros preferred). Processing can take 30-60 minutes depending on flight arrivals.

Visa on arrival costs more than e-Visa (approximately €60-100 USD). Cash payment required. Long queues possible. Some airlines may require proof of visa before allowing boarding, making e-Visa the safer option.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at São Tomé International Airport, travelers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally straightforward but can be slower during peak times when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit the aircraft and proceed to the terminal. During certain periods, health screening (temperature checks) may be conducted. Have your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready if arriving from an endemic country.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, e-Visa confirmation (or apply for visa on arrival if applicable), completed arrival card, and supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation proof). Immigration officer will stamp your passport with entry permission.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousel. The airport is small, so this is typically straightforward.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted items. Most tourists pass through the green 'nothing to declare' channel without inspection, though random checks occur.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, you enter the arrivals hall where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet your hotel transfer.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from São Tomé and Príncipe. Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa or e-Visa Confirmation

Printed copy of e-Visa approval email or visa on arrival payment receipt. Keep this with your passport throughout your stay.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory if arriving from or having transited through a country with yellow fever risk. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must be presented at immigration.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

Confirmed flight ticket showing departure from São Tomé within your authorized stay period. Immigration may request to see this.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or other evidence of where you will stay during your visit.

Arrival/Departure Card

Completed immigration form provided on the aircraft or at the airport. Fill out completely and accurately.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Apply for your e-Visa at least one week before travel to avoid last-minute issues and save money compared to visa on arrival.

Carry printed copies of all important documents (e-Visa, hotel reservations, return tickets) as internet access may be limited at the airport.

Have your yellow fever vaccination certificate easily accessible - it's often checked before immigration.

Bring cash in USD or Euros for visa on arrival fees, airport services, and initial expenses as ATMs may not always be functioning.

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. The process may be slower than in larger countries, but officials are generally helpful.

Keep your passport and visa documents with you at all times during your stay, as you may need to present them at hotels or for internal travel.

Take note of your visa expiry date and arrange extensions through the immigration office in São Tomé city if you plan to stay longer.

Customs & Duty-Free

São Tomé and Príncipe customs regulations are designed to prevent illegal imports while allowing tourists to bring reasonable personal items. Travelers should be aware of duty-free allowances and prohibited items to avoid delays or penalties at customs.

Alcohol

2 liters of wine or spirits

For travelers 18 years and older. Amounts exceeding this limit may be subject to duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

For travelers 18 years and older. Excess quantities may be confiscated or taxed.

Currency

No limit on foreign currency, but amounts over €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Declaration required on arrival and departure for amounts exceeding threshold. Local currency (Dobra) export is restricted.

Gifts/Personal Goods

Personal items and gifts up to approximately €200 in value

Items clearly for personal use during the trip are generally exempt. New items in commercial packaging may be questioned.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - unless with special authorization from authorities
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Pornographic materials
Certain plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
Endangered species products (ivory, certain shells, exotic animals) - protected under CITES
Meat and dairy products from certain countries - due to disease control measures

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring in original packaging with prescription; quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit; declare to avoid issues on departure
Drones - require special permission from civil aviation and security authorities; declare upon arrival
Live animals and pets - require import permits, health certificates, and rabies vaccination proof (see special situations)
Firearms for hunting - require advance permits from Ministry of Defense and are rarely approved for tourists

Health Requirements

São Tomé and Príncipe has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. All travelers should review health requirements well before travel.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with yellow fever risk. The International Certificate of Vaccination must be presented at immigration.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers
Typhoid - recommended for most travelers, especially if visiting smaller towns or rural areas
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids
Malaria prophylaxis - São Tomé and Príncipe is a malaria-endemic area; antimalarial medication is strongly recommended
Routine vaccinations - ensure you are up to date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and polio
Rabies - for travelers with extensive outdoor exposure or working with animals

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with coverage for medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in São Tomé and Príncipe are limited, and serious medical conditions may require evacuation to Europe or South Africa. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Check for any COVID-19 related requirements (testing, vaccination certificates, quarantine) with your airline and the São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before travel. Visit the official government health website or consult your country's travel health advisory service for the most current information.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in São Tomé and Príncipe, or the nearest São Tomé and Príncipe diplomatic mission to your country

Check your government's travel advisory website for contact information and register your travel with your embassy if recommended. Many countries do not have resident embassies in São Tomé; Portugal often provides consular assistance to foreign nationals.

Immigration Authority - Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras

Official immigration service for visa extensions and immigration matters. Located in São Tomé city.

For visa applications, extensions, and official immigration information. E-Visa portal: www.smf.st/virtualvisa or www.visa.gov.st

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 112 (general emergencies)

Police: 222; Fire: 221. English may not be widely spoken; Portuguese is the official language. Response times may be slower than in more developed countries.

São Tomé International Airport

Main point of entry - located approximately 5km from São Tomé city

Limited facilities; arrange transportation in advance if possible. Currency exchange and basic services available.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel, ideally in Portuguese or with a Portuguese translation. This letter should include the child's details, travel dates, accompanying adult information, and contact details of the non-traveling parent(s). Birth certificates may also be requested. Children are subject to the same visa and yellow fever vaccination requirements as adults (yellow fever vaccination is required for children 9 months and older).

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets into São Tomé and Príncipe requires advance planning. Required documents include: an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture (apply at least 30 days before travel), a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but not older than 12 months), and a microchip for identification. Dogs and cats should be treated for parasites before travel. Upon arrival, pets will be inspected by veterinary authorities. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or Ministry of Agriculture well in advance to confirm current requirements and obtain necessary permits.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are typically issued for 15-30 days. To stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (Immigration Service) in São Tomé city before your initial visa expires. Bring your passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and a letter explaining your reason for extension. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and may take several days to process. For stays longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism (work, study, residence), you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit from immigration authorities or a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before traveling. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or deportation.

Business Travelers

Business visitors should obtain a business visa, which may require an invitation letter from a São Tomé and Príncipe company or organization, proof of business registration, and a letter from your employer detailing the purpose of your visit. The e-Visa system includes a business visa option. Business visas typically allow stays of 30 days. If you plan to work or establish a business, you will need a work permit and/or residence visa, which require additional documentation and approval from various government ministries.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through São Tomé International Airport without leaving the airport generally do not require a visa if their onward flight departs within 24 hours and they hold confirmed tickets and necessary documents for their final destination. However, if you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa (e-Visa or visa on arrival). Always confirm transit visa requirements with your airline, as policies may vary.

Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for São Tomé Entry Requirements before you go.