São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Austrian passport holders can enter São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism and short business trips. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines may still enforce the 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the immigration desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | You may be asked to show you can support yourself during your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit works fine. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days from entry. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from future visits. Set a reminder to leave on time.
No visa on arrival for longer stays
If you plan to stay more than 15 days, you must get a visa from a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for longer stays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the main airport near the capital. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a small terminal, so queues move quickly.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and the immigration officer will stamp it with a 15-day entry. No forms to fill out, no fee to pay.
3
Show return ticket if asked
Officers occasionally ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return or onward ticket ready on your phone or printed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€60 (approx. $65 USD)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity. Must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a local company.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) + processing
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $545 USD) + investment proof
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if allowed)Visa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave after 15 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap unknown but can be significant. | ~€20/day (approx. $22 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water areas.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport and photos.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Office)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight hours
Handles entry/exit issues and transit permits. Arrive early for assistance.
Practical information for AT 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 = 20.97 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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a visa at the São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Austria is not a risk country, so if you fly directly from Austria, you're fine. But if you've recently been in a yellow fever zone, carry your certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — it's not worth the risk.
No, there's no arrival declaration required. Just walk up to passport control with your passport and boarding pass.
Technically yes, but immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to avoid delays or denial.
No visa fee applies, so no currency needed for entry. For expenses, the local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Children need their own valid passport (same 6-month validity rule). If traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent to avoid issues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.