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São Tomé and Príncipe · Entry rules

Who needs a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?

Entry rules for São Tomé and Príncipe by nationality, for short tourist or business visits, from Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked .

In brief

Citizens of 57 countries and territories can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa, most for up to 15 days. 1 get a visa on arrival. Everyone else, 137 nationalities, applies online for an eVisa or ETA.

Visa-free
57
On arrival
1
eVisa or ETA
137
Visa required
0

About 4.9 bn people (61% of the world's other nationalities by population) need a visa arranged before they travel to São Tomé and Príncipe: a visa, an eVisa or a visa only with another permit.

Checked 31 Oct 2026Source: Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras, São Tomé and PríncipeTogo, Taiwan and Kosovo: not verified (the source leaves them unclear)Report a change

Most commonIndiaUnited StatesHong KongPakistanVietnamSaudi ArabiaAll passports

São Tomé and Príncipe entry rules at a glance

GroupStayNationalitiesExamplesSource
Visa-free60 to 120 days a year1Cabo VerdeServiço de Migração e Fronteiras, São Tomé and Príncipe
Visa-freeUp to 90 days7South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, GhanaServiço de Migração e Fronteiras, São Tomé and Príncipe
Visa-free15 days, extendable up to 9053United States, Brazil, Russia, JapanServiço de Migração e Fronteiras, São Tomé and Príncipe
Visa on arrivalNot stated1ChinaMinistério dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Comunidades de São Tomé e…
With another visa or permit15 days142India, China, Indonesia, PakistanServiço de Migração e Fronteiras, São Tomé and Príncipe
eVisaNot stated137India, Indonesia, Pakistan, NigeriaServiço de Migração e Fronteiras, São Tomé and Príncipe

Visa-free for 60 to 120 days a year: Cabo Verde

1 nationality

Under a bilateral agreement.

Source: Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked Cabo Verde (60 até 120 dias por ano)In English: Cabo Verde (60 to 120 days a year)

Visa-free for up to 90 days: South Africa, Angola, Mozambique and 4 more

7 nationalities

Under a bilateral agreement.

Source: Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked Existem acordos bilaterais que preveem períodos de isenção mais longos para portadores de passaportes comuns ou específicos:In English: There are bilateral agreements providing longer exemption periods for holders of ordinary or specific passports:

Visa-free for 15 days, extendable up to 90: the US, Brazil, Russia and 50 more

53 nationalities

No visa is needed for stays of up to 15 days, extendable up to 90.

Source: Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked Cidadãos dos seguintes países e territórios podem entrar e permanecer em São Tomé e Príncipe por um período máximo de 15 dias sem visto, com possibilidade de prorrogação até 90 dias, desde que cumpram os requisitos de imigração:In English: Citizens of the following countries and territories may enter and stay in São Tomé and Príncipe for a maximum of 15 days without a visa, extendable up to 90 days, provided they meet the immigration requirements:

Visa on arrival: China

1 nationality

Ordinary passports.

Source: Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Comunidades de São Tomé e Príncipe, checked é garantido aos cidadãos da República Popular da China, titulares de passaportes ordinários ou comuns, a atribuição de visto de entrada à chegada ao território nacional são-tomense.In English: citizens of the People's Republic of China holding ordinary or common passports are guaranteed the grant of an entry visa on arrival in São Tomé territory.

With another visa or a residence permit, 15 days: India, China, Indonesia and 139 more

142 nationalities

With a valid Schengen or US visa and a passport valid for more than 3 months.

Source: Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked Cidadãos estrangeiros de quaisquer outros países que não os listados acima também podem beneficiar da isenção de 15 dias, desde que disponham cumulativamente de:In English: Foreign citizens of any other countries than those listed above may also benefit from the 15-day exemption, provided they hold both: a passport valid for more than three months; a valid Schengen visa or a valid US visa.

eVisa: India, Indonesia, Pakistan and 134 more

137 nationalities

Everyone not listed above applies online for an eVisa.

Nationalities not listed above: this follows from Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe's own lists, which name the exempt nationalities.

Source: Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked Preciso de uma Autorização de Entrada (AE) que deverei apresentar a minha chegada no território nacional. A AE é individual e pode ser pedida ao Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros através do eVisaST com resposta no prazo de 7 dias úteis.In English: I need an Entry Authorisation (AE) to present on arrival in the national territory. The AE is individual and can be requested from the Migration Service through eVisaST, with an answer within 7 working days.

Where to apply

Apply for the eVisa only on the official site, smf.st. Look-alike sites charge extra for the same form.

These rules cover ordinary passports and short visits; work, study and transit have their own rules.

Most searched passports

FAQ

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

It depends on your passport: 57 nationalities are visa-free, 1 get a visa on arrival and 137 can use an eVisa or ETA. Choose your passport above.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?

Yes, but online: Indian citizens apply for an eVisa before they travel (Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked 31 Oct 2026).

Do US citizens need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?

No, not for a short stay. US citizens can visit São Tomé and Príncipe visa-free for up to 15 days, extendable up to 90 (Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe, checked 31 Oct 2026).

Can I apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe visa online?

Yes, if you are eligible: 137 nationalities can apply online for an eVisa or ETA. Apply only at smf.st.

Sources and changes

  1. SMF: Isenção de Visto para São Tomé e Príncipe (visa exemptions, Dec 2025)smf.st · checked 31 Oct 2026
  2. Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros e Comunidades de São Tomé e Príncipemnec.gov.st · checked 31 Oct 2026
  3. SMF: frequently asked questionssmf.st · checked 31 Oct 2026
  4. e-VisaST, online visa / entry authorisation (SMF, official)smf.st · checked 31 Oct 2026
  1. All groups checked against Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), São Tomé and Príncipe. No change since.

Something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.

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