Visa-free entry for 90 days
No visa neededCitizens of Togo holding ordinary passports can enter without a visa.
- Stay
- 90 days
Passports that qualify (1)
6 ways to enter
São Tomé and Príncipe visas
São Tomé and Príncipe tourist visa
Visitors can enter visa-free, with an e-Visa, or with a visa on arrival, depending on their passport and other travel documents.
Ways to get a São Tomé and Príncipe tourist visa
Visa-free entry for 15 days
No visa neededCitizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries can enter without a visa using ordinary passports.
- Stay
- 15 days
Passports that qualify (55)
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Andorra
- Angola
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iceland
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Norway
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Timor-Leste
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
Visa-free entry with another visa or residence permit
No visa neededTravellers holding a visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen area member state or the United States can enter without a São Tomé and Príncipe visa.
- Stay
- Up to 15 days
Visa-free entry for Chinese official passport holders
No visa neededHolders of Chinese diplomatic passports, service passports or passports for public affairs can enter without a visa.
- Stay
- 30 days
Passports that qualify (1)
e-Visa
eVisaCitizens of countries and territories that require a visa can apply online, except holders of Taiwan passports.
- Processing
- Within 7 working days
- Apply online through the e-VisaST system.
- Allow up to 7 working days for processing.
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrivalHolders of ordinary passports issued by China can obtain a visa on arrival.
- Stay
- 15 days
Passports that qualify (1)
Togo
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Andorra
Angola
Brazil
Canada
Cape Verde
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Guinea-Bissau
Iceland
Japan
Kuwait
Liechtenstein
Monaco
Morocco
Mozambique
Norway
Qatar
Russia
Rwanda
San Marino
South Korea
Switzerland
Timor-Leste
Türkiye
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Vatican City
ChinaWho needs it
Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival must obtain an e-Visa, but Taiwan passport holders cannot apply through that system.
Who doesn't
Citizens of Togo can enter visa-free for 90 days. Citizens of the listed European Union and other countries can enter visa-free for 15 days. Holders of a Schengen or United States visa or residence permit can also enter visa-free for up to 15 days. Certain Chinese official passport holders qualify for 30 days.
Good to know
- Separate rules for a visa specifically named a tourist visa are not stated.
- Visa exemption agreements with Serbia and Saint Kitts and Nevis have been signed but have not yet been ratified.
Questions
Do I need a tourist visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival must obtain an e-Visa, but Taiwan passport holders cannot apply through that system. Citizens of Togo can enter visa-free for 90 days. Citizens of the listed European Union and other countries can enter visa-free for 15 days. Holders of a Schengen or United States visa or residence permit can also enter visa-free for up to 15 days. Certain Chinese official passport holders qualify for 30 days.
What are the ways to get a tourist visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?
There are 6 options: Visa-free entry for 90 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for 15 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with another visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for Chinese official passport holders (no visa at all); e-Visa (an online visa); Visa on arrival (a visa at the border).
Who can go to São Tomé and Príncipe without a tourist visa?
Citizens of Togo holding ordinary passports can enter without a visa. Citizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries can enter without a visa using ordinary passports. Travellers holding a visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen area member state or the United States can enter without a São Tomé and Príncipe visa. Holders of Chinese diplomatic passports, service passports or passports for public affairs can enter without a visa.
Can I apply online for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes: e-Visa. Citizens of countries and territories that require a visa can apply online, except holders of Taiwan passports.
How long can I stay on a São Tomé and Príncipe tourist visa?
15 days for most listed visa-free visitors; 90 days for citizens of Togo.
How long does a São Tomé and Príncipe tourist visa take?
An e-Visa is processed within 7 working days.
Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the São Tomé and Príncipe visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.
Can a tourist visa for São Tomé and Príncipe be refused?
Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.
Where do I check the latest São Tomé and Príncipe tourist visa rules?
On São Tomé and Príncipe's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.
Can I change my tourist visa once I am in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.
Reviewed by @snuck