e-Visa for São Tomé and Príncipe

Who Can Apply for the São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa?

Eligibility depends on your passport and how long you plan to stay.

There are two main groups: visa-free travelers and travelers who need an e-Visa before departure.

Visa-free travelers

If you hold a passport from all EU countries, the UK, the US, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, you are exempted from visa for tourist stays up to 15 days.

Longer stays, or travel for work, study, or business, still require a visa.

Travelers from CPLP partner countries (Brazil, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Timor-Leste) also enjoy the 15-day visa-free access.

Nationals of Angola, Cape Verde, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, and Togo can stay visa-free in São Tomé and Príncipe and for 90 days.

Travelers who need an e-Visa

Everyone else must apply for the e-Visa before they travel.

This includes travelers from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.

Even visa-free travelers need a visa in some cases.

If you plan to stay longer than 15 days, you need a visa. The same applies if you travel for work, study, or business purposes.

NOTE: Holders of Taiwanese and Kosovan passports cannot apply for the online visa and must contact the nearest São Tomé and Príncipe embassy instead.

São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa Requirements

Preparing the right documents makes your application smoother. Below is a list of what you typically need to submit. Each one serves a specific purpose in the review process.

• Passport scan in PDF: valid for at least 3 months after your last day of stay
• Return or onward ticket: this is a mandatory attachment to prove you plan to leave
• Accommodation details: address of stay, name of the hotel or the person you will stay with, as well as the reservation number (if available)
• For minors: a scanned birth certificate and a declaration from legal guardians
• For transit: proof that you can enter your next destination, eg. entry visa, national passport, exemption certificate

At the border, you also need to show proof of funds. This is usually around €100 per day of your planned stay.

You also need a yellow fever certificate and cash to pay any applicable fees.

The official rule requires your passport to stay valid for 3 months past your stay. However, we recommend having at least 6 months of validity. This extra buffer avoids problems if your travel plans change.

NOTE: Your passport details in the form must match your passport exactly.

What Is the São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa?

The São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa is an online entry authorization from the SMF. The SMF is the government body responsible for migration and border control.

The online system has been available to travelers since 2012.

The e-Visa replaces an embassy visit for most travelers.

Having an approved visa is only one condition for entering the country.

You can use the e-Visa for different purposes. These include tourism, business trips, and transit through São Tomé and Príncipe.

Make sure you select the correct visa type for your trip.

How to Apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa

Applying for the e-Visa involves several clear steps. Follow them in order to avoid delays or mistakes.

Each step only takes a few minutes to complete.

1. Fill in the form with your personal details exactly as shown in your passport.
2. Cover the necessary fee. Payment can be made using a debit/credit card or another available option.
3. Attach the necessary documents. Prepare your PDF passport scan, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation in advance.
4. Print your approval notice after approximately 7 working days and bring cash to pay at the border.

São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa Validity

Visa-free tourist stays are limited to 15 days. This applies to the eligible passport groups listed earlier.

Your e-Visa length depends on the visa type and dates you request. Your specific validity period will be printed on your approval document.

Conventional tourist visas are typically single entry, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. This is a common pattern, but your approval is the final word.

Always leave the country before your visa expires.

São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa Processing Time

The official processing time is 7 working days. Therefore, we recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure date.

Working days exclude weekends and public holidays. This means your actual wait could be longer during holiday periods.

Plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.

You can check your application status by logging into your Passporta account. You will need your application ID, which is given to you after you submit the form.

We cannot promise faster processing than the official timeline.

Common Reasons for e-Visa Rejection

Applications can be rejected at two different stages.

The first is during the online application review. The second happens at the border, even with an approved e-Visa.

Rejection at application

• A name or passport number that differs from your passport is a common cause.
• A passport that is not valid long enough is another frequent issue.
• False or incomplete answers on the form create serious problems too.

Always double check every field before you submit your application.

Refusal at the border

Even an approved e-Visa does not guarantee entry.

• Border officers can refuse entry if you cannot show €100 per day in funds.
• A missing return ticket at the border can also cause a refusal.
• Travelers arriving from another African country need a yellow fever certificate. Without it, border officers may refuse entry even with a valid e-Visa.

Always carry all required documents with you, not just your approval.

FAQs

• Do I need a visa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe?

  It depends on your passport. Some nationalities are visa-free for short stays. Most others must apply for an e-Visa before traveling.

• Do US citizens need a visa for São Tomé?

  No, US citizens are visa-free for 15 days for tourism. However, longer stays, or trips for work, study, or business, require an e-Visa. Always check your trip length before you travel.

• Do Nigerians need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?

  Yes, Nigerian passport holders need an e-Visa before travel. This means you must apply and get approval before you board your flight. There is no visa on arrival option for this nationality.

• How much money do I need to show at the border?

  You typically need to show about €100 per day of your planned stay. This is one of the proof of funds requirements at the border. Bring enough cash or documentation to cover your full trip.

• Is the yellow fever vaccine required for São Tomé?

  Yes, if you are arriving from another African country. You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at the border. Without it, you may be refused entry even with a valid e-Visa.

• How do I check my São Tomé e-Visa status?

  Create or log in to your Passporta account to access your application status.