São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026, making it a straightforward destination for short trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they won't let you through without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel reservation or host's address and phone number ready. Officers may ask where you're staying — a printed booking confirmation or a phone screen showing the reservation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry enough cash (Euros or Dobras) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, having €50–100 per day in cash or a card statement avoids problems. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. Double-check before you fly.
No visa extension available
The 15-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you may face fines or issues when leaving. Plan your trip accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or screenshot your return ticket and accommodation booking. Get travel insurance and an eSIM if you want data on arrival.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the main airport near the capital. Follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreigners.
3
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity and may ask for your return ticket. No visa fee is charged. You'll get a free entry stamp valid for up to 15 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at embassy; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For multiple visits; requires justification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe
No transit visa needed
Transit visa is not required for UAE passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport, as long as you remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
São Tomé
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSão Tomé
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 21.04 STN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a visa. You can enter visa-free for up to 15 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, or check with the immigration office in São Tomé before your 15 days are up.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
No, there is no fee for Emirati passport holders. Entry is free for stays up to 15 days.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no arrival declaration required. You just present your passport and get stamped.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it, and airlines often check before boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.