São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply online before you travel — there’s no visa on arrival for Australians. The eVisa covers tourism and short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you meet the requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official government portal before departure. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive a PDF approval by email. Print the approval and carry it with your passport to present on arrival.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in São Tomé will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready to show at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in São Tomé and Príncipe. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for accommodation, food, and transport. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have proof than be caught off guard. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Australian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe — not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you’ll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You’ll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
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 queue is usually short — expect 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There’s a customs check but it’s usually quick for tourists. Then you’re free to leave the airport.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 (~$55 USD)
Standard eVisa; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent visitors; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (~$330 USD) plus fees
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (~$165 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~€1,000 (~$1,100 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in the country. Provides residency and potential path to citizenship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Australian passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed the authorized stay. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Australian passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked 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 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for AU 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 = 20.87 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 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to avoid delays. Processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons.
The exact fee isn’t listed in the database, but eVisa fees for São Tomé and Príncipe are usually around €20–€50. Check the official portal for the current amount — it’s paid by credit card during application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you’ll have to leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa from abroad.
Not required for Australian travellers unless you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever. But it’s a good idea to check with your doctor — other vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for travel to the region.
You’ll be denied entry. There’s no visa on arrival for Australian passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
No, the eVisa is single-entry only. If you leave São Tomé and Príncipe and want to return, you’ll need to apply for a new eVisa.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). ATMs are limited in the capital, so bring some euros or US dollars to exchange. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels but not everywhere.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.