Visa for São Tomé and Príncipe: Do You Need One? 2026 Documents Guide

One of the most common questions we get is: do I need a visa to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe? The good news is that, for most Europeans, the answer is no — as long as the stay doesn't exceed 15 days.

Do Europeans need a visa?
No, for tourist stays of up to 15 days. As citizens of the European Union, most European travellers are exempt from an entry visa to São Tomé and Príncipe within this period, and may enter and leave the country freely as long as the limit isn't exceeded. If your trip is longer, or if the purpose isn't tourism, you'll need to apply for a visa in advance — we explain how below.

What documents do you need to bring
To enter São Tomé and Príncipe as a tourist, you essentially need:
- A valid passport — the legal minimum is 3 months' validity from the date of entry, but at least 6 months is always recommended to avoid complications
- Proof of flight and accommodation booking, which may be requested on arrival
- Travel insurance, especially recommended for those also visiting Príncipe Island, where domestic flights can be subject to disruptions

A yellow fever vaccine is not required for travellers coming directly from Europe — that requirement only applies to travellers coming from countries where the disease is endemic.

What if you stay longer than 15 days?
If you're planning a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a visa through eVisaST, the official portal of São Tomé and Príncipe's Migration and Border Service, at least 7 working days in advance. Alternatively, you can arrange the visa at the Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe in Lisbon, on Avenida 5 de Outubro.

Tourist tax
São Tomé and Príncipe also charges a tourist tax, of €2.10 per person, per night. In the past, this fee was paid directly at hotel reception. But since tourism in São Tomé is still "in its infancy", many travellers chose private homes, guesthouses and more affordable stays without modern payment infrastructure — meaning a large share of this revenue was never actually collected. Today, payment is made right on arrival, at the airport: as soon as you present your passport, you're directed to a desk where you pay the tax and receive a receipt, which you must present again when you leave.

Our advice: bring cash already exchanged into euros, preferably in small notes. On an 8-day, 7-night trip, the maths is simple: 7 x €2.10 = €14.70 per person. Keep this amount in a separate envelope — change is hard to come by in São Tomé.

Good practice: always carry duplicate documents
While not mandatory, we always advise our travellers to keep a digital copy of their passport and bookings on their phone or email, plus a printed copy stored separately from their main luggage. It's a simple precaution that avoids a lot of trouble in case of loss or theft.

Quick summary: what you need before you travel
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Confirm your stay doesn't exceed 15 days (or arrange eVisaST in advance if it's longer)
- Travel insurance, especially if Príncipe Island is included
- Flight and accommodation bookings on hand
- Cash exchanged into euros for the tourist tax (€2.10 per night, per person, paid at the airport on arrival)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Europeans need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?
No, for tourist stays of up to 15 days. A valid passport is all you need.

What's the minimum passport validity to enter São Tomé and Príncipe?
The law requires a minimum of 3 months, but at least 6 months' validity is recommended.

Do I need a vaccine to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe from Europe?
No. The yellow fever vaccine is only mandatory for travellers coming from countries where the disease is endemic.

What is eVisaST?
It's the official portal for applying for a visa online, needed only for stays longer than 15 days. The application must be made at least 7 working days in advance.

How much is the tourist tax in São Tomé and Príncipe and how is it paid?
It's €2.10 per person, per night, paid in cash on arrival at the airport, right after passport control. Bring the amount already exchanged into euros, preferably in small notes, as change is hard to come by in the country.

Take care of your documents, we'll take care of the rest. Get in touch and we'll help you prepare every detail of your trip to São Tomé and Príncipe.

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