São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Bangladeshi passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official eVisa portal at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa is linked to your passport number and costs around $25–$50 depending on processing speed. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Bangladesh passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines boarding in Dhaka or connecting hubs will check this before issuing a boarding pass. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're flying out to a Schengen country, the airline may also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in São Tomé. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A booking confirmation with the property name and address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing a recent statement or a credit card with available limit works. No specific minimum is published, so keep it reasonable. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must apply and receive your eVisa before you travel.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. Check now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and print 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
At the airport, go to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible per entry.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Bangladesh passport holders applying online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained on arrival if eVisa not pre-approved. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Bangladesh 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
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 (SME)
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
São Tomé
Immigration Office at São Tomé International Airport
São Tomé International Airport
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
Handles entry/exit and emergency visa issues. Limited services.
Practical information for BD 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid delays.
The official eVisa fee is not listed on the portal upfront, but expect around $50–$100 USD. Check the application site for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-apply.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Bangladesh is not a risk country, but check your transit route.
Rejections are rare if you meet all requirements. Common reasons include incorrect passport details or insufficient validity. You can re-apply with corrected info.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
If you're transiting through a country that requires a transit visa (e.g., Schengen area, UK), you'll need to check that separately. São Tomé and Príncipe itself does not require a transit visa if you stay airside.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.