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Sao Tome and Principe

🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe Visa 2026: Entry Requirements

Africa· Updated 10/10/2026

Do you need a visa for Sao Tome and Principe?

It depends on your passport. Out of 195 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 58 enter Sao Tome and Principe visa-free and 137 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.

Visa-free

58

nationalities

E-visa

137

nationalities

Check the rule for your nationality

Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.

Data updated on · Official source

Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (smf.st), read on .

Pick your nationality to see the rule

Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal

Sao Tome and Principe visa types, fees and processing times

Every visa category Sao Tome and Principe publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.

Sao Tome and Principe visa types published by IziVisas, 2026. Data updated on . Government fees only. Application centres and agencies charge their own service fee on top.
VisaCategoryOfficial source
Short-stay (tourism)Short stayPortal

Visas

Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)

Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.

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See activities

Information

Capital

São Tomé

Population

244,972

Currency

São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN Db)

Languages

Portuguese, Forro, Angolar

Continent

Africa

Calling code

+239

Timezone

Africa/Sao_Tome

Area

964 km²

Government

Semi-presidential republic

National day

July 6 - Independence Day

Internet domain

.st

About

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in Central Africa consisting of two main islands in the Gulf of Guinea. A former Portuguese colony, it gained independence in 1975 and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and pristine beaches. The country faces economic challenges but enjoys relative political stability.

Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)

Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

See SafetyWing coverage

Safety

Risk level:Overall risk level low to moderate for cautious travelers.

Risk areas

São Tomé city - Minor crime

Crime(Low)

  • Avoid wearing visible valuables
  • Do not travel alone at night

Terrorism(Low)

  • Negligible risk, stay vigilant

Transport

  • Drive carefully, prefer official taxis

Natural risks(Moderate risks of torrential rains and seasonal floods)

  • Check the weather forecast before traveling

Health(Limited healthcare system, under-equipped hospitals)

  • Recommended vaccines: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, yellow fever
  • Travel insurance with repatriation required

Practical tips

  • Register your trip with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Carry cash in euros or dollars
  • Protect against mosquitoes (malaria present)

Accommodation (Hotels.com)

Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Compare places to stay

Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio in the city centre$200 – $400
1-bedroom apartment in the city centre$300 – $600
1-bedroom apartment outside the centre$190 – $400
3-bedroom apartment in the city centre$650 – $1,300
3-bedroom apartment outside the centre$400 – $850

Food

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant$42
McDonald’s meal or equivalent$8.50
Local beer (0.5 L, in a bar)$1.60
Cappuccino$2.50
Bottled water (1.5 L)$1.30
Bread (500 g)$1.40
Milk (1 L)$2.20
Eggs (12)$3.80
Chicken fillets (1 kg)$8
Apples (1 kg)$5
Bananas (1 kg)$1.20

Transport

Public transport, one way$0.60
Taxi, starting fare$2.50
Taxi, per km$0.80
Petrol (1 L)$1.60

Leisure

Gym (monthly membership)$40
Tennis court (1 h at the weekend)$15
Theatre ticket$12

Health

GP consultation$30
Dentist consultation$35
Antibiotics (one pack)$6
Cold medicine (6 days)$7

Others

Home internet (60 Mbps or more, monthly)$70
Mobile plan (calls + 10 GB, monthly)$15
Utilities for an 85 m² home (monthly)$90
Levi’s 501 jeans or similar$70
Nike sports shoes$110
International primary school (monthly)$350

Indicative prices in USD in São Tomé · estimated in October 2026

eSIM data (Saily)

Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Choose an eSIM

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage220V
Frequency50Hz
Plug typesType C, Type F

Emergency numbers

Police112
Ambulance112
Fire department112

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

10-15% in restaurants

Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)

Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.

Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

See activities

Photos

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Tom Fisk

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Maxx Sas

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Ness'arts Prod

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Márcio Teixeira

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Jakeline Guimarães de Lucena

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Archie McNicol

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Nothing Ahead

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Nguyen Ngoc Tien

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

The Duluwa🇳🇵

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Mervenur Yelkenci

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Chait Goli

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

JESH .

Plan your trip

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Guides to prepare your trip

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a visa to travel to Sao Tome and Principe?▾

It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Sao Tome and Principe across 195 nationalities: 58 visa-free, 137 with an e-visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.

Check by my nationality →
Is it dangerous to travel to Sao Tome and Principe?▾

The overall risk level is currently rated "Overall risk level low to moderate for cautious travelers.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.

What currency is used in Sao Tome and Principe?▾

The official currency is São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN Db). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.

What is the capital of Sao Tome and Principe?▾

The capital of Sao Tome and Principe is São Tomé. The main spoken languages are: Portuguese, Forro, Angolar.

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