In accordance with the law, citizens of all countries require a visa to visit Sao Tome and Principe. However, there are few exemptions.
This includes US & Canada nationals, UE nationals, as well as nationals of a selected list of countries.
Visa waiver for short-term visits
Enables citizens or nationals of a selected group of countries to travel to Sao Tome and Principe for tourism or business for stays of 15 days or less without first obtaining a visa. Still not sure if the visa exemption apply to you? Click to check the UPDATED LIST of visa-free countries, i.e. countries that do not need visa!
Conventional visas
Conventional visa applications should be made at an Embassy or Consulate of São Tomé and Príncipe abroad. Passports must have a validity of 12 months. The visa is usually valid for a single entry within 90 days of the date issued, for a stay up to 30 days. A tourist visa can be extended once for an additional period of 60 days.
Type of visas
| Visa validity | Extension | |
| visa-free | 15 days | up to 60 days |
| Transit visa | 4 days (1 or 2 entries) | up to 5 days |
| Oficial, diplomatic and cortesy visa | 30 days (1 or 2 entries) | up to 60 days |
| Temporary visa, tourism, cultural & similar travel | 180 days (1 or more entries) | up to 60 days |
| Residence visa | 60 days (2 entries) | 60 days |
A visa or authorization to enter must be obtained in advance. It is not possible to travel to São Tomé e Príncipe without having obtained a visa or authorization in advance.
Visa Application Kit
| North & South America |
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| Europe |
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| Africa |
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| Asia & Midle East |
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E-Visa
Since 2012 visitors to Sao Tome and Principe may also apply online for an e-Visa Entry Permit using eVisaST website. An e-Visa can be obtained easily anywhere with an internet connection and it grants the same right to enter Sao Tome and Principe territory as ordinary sticker-visa in the passport. The response has been overwhelming and many travelers have already used this service. Check our F.A.Q for more informations.
Legal Framework
- Decree n. 08/2017 of April 25, 2017 - Decree approving the exemption of visas for entry and stay in the National Territory for a period of fifteen days.
- Decree n. 09/2017 of April 25, 2017 - Approves the exemption of visas of entry and stay in the national territory, for a period of fifteen days, Chinese Citizens, holders of Diplomatic and Special Service passports.
- Law no. 5/2008 of 12 August 2008 - Law on the Legal Regime of Foreign Citizens in São Tomé and Príncipe
- Decree Law 11/2009 of June 24, 2009 - Regulates the Legal Regime for Foreigners in São Tomé and Príncipe
- Presidential Decree n. 21/2002 of 20 December 2002 - Ratifies Agreement on Suppression of Visas in Diplomatic Passports and Special Service Passports between the Governments of the Member Countries of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries