São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Argentine passport holders need an eVisa for São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Argentinians. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and usually takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st before you fly. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Argentine passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Airlines will check for the eVisa at check-in. Without it, you won't be allowed to board.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a digital passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — print it and keep a digital copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and accommodation booking. Save screenshots of everything on your phone in case you lose the paper copies.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes. There are no additional forms to fill out on arrival.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at embassy or online; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits; extension possible per stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application form20%
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
Argentina passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk is present nationwide.
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 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for AR 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
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official eVisa fee is not listed on the portal, but expect it to be around $50–$100 USD. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
São Tomé and Príncipe does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check with your airline.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport photo doesn't meet standards or your passport validity is too short. You'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected info.
No. Argentine passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
No. You don't need to fill out any additional forms. Just present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.