Yes, a visa is required to travel from Sao Tome and Principe to United Arab Emirates.
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Do I need a visa for United Arab Emirates from Sao Tome and Principe?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Citizens of Sao Tome and Principe need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates, issued as an electronic visa (e-Visa) to be applied for online before travelling.
From this small archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, a São Toméan traveller enjoys no visa-free entry to the UAE and must obtain an e-Visa beforehand. The application is made electronically, through the ICP portal or a UAE sponsor (hotel, airline, resident relative). The online route is especially suited to a country with no Emirati consular representation on the ground.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. Nationals of Sao Tome and Principe must obtain an e-Visa before travelling to the UAE. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. The short-stay tourist visa is the most common category for a leisure trip.
How and where to apply
Apply online through the ICP portal and app (icp.gov.ae), or via a UAE sponsor such as a hotel, an airline (Emirates, Etihad) or a resident family member. As Sao Tome has no Emirati embassy, the digital route avoids any travel, and the sponsor can file the case for you. Ensure high-quality scans to speed up the review.
Documents and fees
Prepare a São Toméan passport valid for six months, a compliant photo, a copy of the bio-data page, proof of accommodation and usually a return ticket; a yellow-fever certificate may be required depending on the itinerary. Fees vary by the visa's duration and type and are not confirmed here: check the official rate on the ICP portal. Use only official payment channels.
Processing and tips
Processing time is not guaranteed; plan ahead, especially as flights from Sao Tome often involve several connections. Keep the visa confirmation in digital and printed form for boarding and immigration. Check the length of stay granted so you can arrange any extension within the deadline.
Common mistakes
The most common errors are a soon-to-expire passport, a name spelled differently from the document, and relying on unofficial intermediary sites. Do not count on visa on arrival: obtain the e-Visa before departure. Do not overstay the authorised period to avoid daily fines.
Official sources
- ICP – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (UAE)
- Official UAE Government Portal – Visa services
- GDRFA Dubai – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential United Arab Emirates information
The United Arab Emirates presents a solid and prosperous economy with stable politics in a dynamic regional context. The country shows sustained economic growth around 4.8% in 2025 and 2026, driven by diversification of the non-hydrocarbon sector and expansion of digital and logistics services.
Weather in Abu Dhabi
Practical travel information
- Arabe
- Anglais
Essential preparations
- Police : 999
- Ambulance : 998
- Fire brigade : 997
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to United Arab Emirates from Sao Tome and Principe?▾
Yes, an e-visa (electronic visa) is required. It is applied for online before departure and allows a stay of 180 days.
How long can you stay in United Arab Emirates?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 180 days.
What other visa types exist for United Arab Emirates?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, United Arab Emirates offers among others: Job Seeker / Exploration visa, Green Visa (5-year residency), Virtual Working Programme (digital nomad), Employment Residence visa (employer-sponsored), Student visa, Family Residence visa (dependant).
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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