Before you fly
Entry requirements and visas
The 15-day visa exemption, e-visas for longer stays, passport validity, yellow fever and what to confirm with official sources before you fly.
Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US and Canadian passport holders, can enter visa-free for up to 15 days. Stay longer and you need a visa, normally an e-visa. Always confirm your own nationality’s rules with an official source before booking.
We are not an immigration authority and entry rules change. The information below is a summary of public sources checked on the date at the bottom of this page. Airlines can refuse boarding if your documents are wrong.
The 15-day exemption
São Tomé and Príncipe allows citizens of a list of countries to visit for up to 15 days without a visa. Third-party sources put the list at around 55 countries in 2024, but lists from different years and sites disagree. If your trip is longer than 15 days, including travel days, plan for a visa.
Stays longer than 15 days
Longer stays need a visa, normally applied for online through the official e-visa system before you travel. Allow time for processing and keep a printed copy. For some nationalities, a visa on arrival is not available.
Documents to carry
- A passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with a blank page (the strictest rule we found; some sources say less).
- A return or onward ticket.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds may be requested.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if you have one (see below).
- Euros in cash for any arrival fee.
Health
Talk to a travel clinic well before departure about vaccinations, including yellow fever, and about malaria prevention. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended: healthcare on the islands is limited, especially on Príncipe.
Also asked
Quick answers
Do I need a visa for São Tomé & Príncipe?
Citizens of many countries, including EU member states, the UK, the US and Canada, can visit for up to 15 days without a visa. Longer stays need a visa, usually applied for online as an e-visa. The list of exempt nationalities changes, so check an official source for your passport.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Sources differ: some say all arrivals need proof of yellow fever vaccination, others only those arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Many routes connect through such countries. Check current rules with your doctor or travel clinic and carry the certificate if you have it.
Is there an entry fee?
The UK government’s travel advice mentions a fee payable on arrival. Check the current amount and payment method before you travel, and carry euros in cash.
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Sources consulted (things change quickly here; if you have newer information, tell us):