Sao Tome and Principe visa

Sao Tome Visa Policy

Visitors coming to Sao Tome must obtain visas from diplomatic missions or online bridge their arrival unless they are citizens of countries currently on the Sao Tome visa exempt list. They are more than fifty countries on this list whose citizens can visit the island country without visas, and they are free to stay for up 15 days per visit.

The Sao Tome government has signed a visa waiver agreement with countries on the visa waiver list, and the list is ever-evolving due to new bilateral agreements between Sao Tome and other countries.

Besides the visa-free countries, there is a special category for visitors who qualify for a visa on arrival. 

Under this agreement, eligible nationalities don't have to visit without visas or visas, but one will be issued to them at the point of entry. Once you have his videos, you can stay on the Island for up to 15 days.

Sao Tome e Visa

Sao Tome has an e-visa program for short-term visitors. This electronic program is issued to eligible applicants online, who may then print out a copy for their trip to the African Island. It is a digital entry permit for business, tourist, and transit visitors.

E visas can only be used once as they are single entry documents and must be used to enter Sao Tome within 30 days of issue. Holders may use it to enter through the international airport or any approved sea route entry. Furthermore, holders can stay in Sao Tome for up to 30 days.

Should you wish to stay for longer, you must exit the Island and apply for a new visa online or through any of their foreign missions. E-Visa applications are submitted through the eVisaST system and take up to 7 days or less to process. Note that it is only available to selected nationalities.

Substitute Visas

If you hold a valid visa or a resident permit issued by a Schengen country in the United States, you are eligible for up to 15 days of visa-free stay.

Transit

Transit passengers flying to other countries or territories through So Tome and Principe must show a confirmed flight ticket for the next destination. They must remain in the airport's transit area while waiting for their flight. They must obtain a visa if they wish to leave the airport for some time.

Diplomatic Missions

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, Visa on arrival, or an e-visa, you can still visit Sao Tome but must apply to a foreign mission for a visa. The embassy or consulate will receive your application compromising your valid passport, completed application form, an application fee, and other documents.

Key Information About Sao Tome and Principe e Visa and Travel Tips

Here is some vital information you must bear in mind as you prepare for your visa application and eventual trip to the Island of Sao Tome and Principe.

Passport Validity:  All visitors coming to Sao Tome and Principe or applying for a visa must do so with a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months at least. Passports that will expire in less than 6 months from the entry date are not accepted. If your current passport doesn't meet the requirements, apply for a new one before submitting your visa application.

Visa Validity: The e-visa is valid 30 days from the issue date. You are not allowed to spend a day beyond the expiry date. Visas start counting from the next day after you arrive in Sao Tome.

Number of Visits: Sao Tome e visas are issued as single entry documents, meaning you can only use them once. If you leave the Island before the 30th day, you cannot return with the same Visa; you must apply for a new one altogether.

Application Fee: The application fee for this Visa is not refundable, and with you, you can tour the application. This fee is only used for application processing and is not a certainty that the Visa will be issued. Only applicants who meet the requirements will get the Visa.

No Extensions: E visas cannot be extended once issued, nor can holders apply for an extension of their stay beyond the 30 days allowed. To spend more time in Sao Tome, you must exit the Island and re-apply for an e-visa or a long-term visa outside the Island.

Not For Employment or Study: Kindly note that this Visa is not for employment or study. International students who have secured admission into a tertiary institution on the Island can't study with e visas; they must apply for a study visa abroad through a foreign mission. Those who have secured a job in Sao Tome must apply for a work visa Instead of this Visa.

No Residency Qualification: Electronic visas are for short-term visits, so such visitors do not qualify for temporary or permanent residency. Only visitors with long-term visas can remain as island residents and secure work or study permits.

Approved Routes:  The only approved air route for e-visa holders is the Sao Tome and Principe International Airport. Sea travelers may access the Island through the main port of the Ana Chaves Harbour.

Valid Documents/Information: When filling out your application form, you must only provide valid information from start to finish. The information you provide must correspond with what is on the documents which you will attach; otherwise, your application will be rejected. The same goes for your documents; only valid documents bearing your name will be accepted. If you use valid documents, the application will be accepted. Should immigration officers at the entry point notice that you used a different identity to apply for the e-visa, you will be denied entry.

Financial Sufficiency:   As a tourist or business visitor coming to Sao Tome, you must hold sufficient funds in hand. If you still need to book a hotel reservation, the funding requirements will be more. Financial sufficiency is calculated based on the number of days you will spend in Sao Tome and Principe. You can hold cash or travel with your credit or debit card.

Return Ticket: You must book a return ticket for your return journey. Immigration officers will request the ticket, and it must have an exit date with your visa expiry or a date before your Visa expires.

Sao Tome and Principe e-Visa Online – Get your Sao Tome and Principe e-Visa with VisaHQ

If you wish to visit the island country of Sao Tome and Principe in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, you can do so as long as you satisfy all the entry requirements for foreigners from abroad. Sao Tome and Principe receive visitors all year who come for different purposes, and there are different documents and arrangements for each of them.

How To Apply For A Sao Tome & Principe e Visa With VisaHQ

You can apply for any of the above e-visas with VisaHQ if you are eligible and meet all the requirements. We have made the entire process easy for you, and you only need to complete the application in a few minutes. Here are the steps to take to apply for an e-visa.

Complete the online form: Visit our main application page to fill out the application form. Ensure that all sections are filled out with accurate information as they appear on your documents.

Upload documents: You must upload your documents in soft copies. The documents you submit should be according to the requirement of the Visa you are applying for. Remember that only valid documents that are yours will be accepted.

Pay Fee: A credit or debit card must pay the application fee. After payment, submit the e-visa for approval.

Get your Visa: Within 7 days, your application will be processed, and if approved, the authorities will forward your Visa to your email address.

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