São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free policy has been in place since 2024. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least the full 15 days you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it helps to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 15 days only
Bulgarian passport holders get 15 days visa-free. This is not extendable. If you plan a longer trip, you need a visa from a São Tomé embassy before departure.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines often check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. The process takes about 5-10 minutes if you have documents ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit (tourism is fine) and how long you're staying. Answer clearly. No visa fee is charged.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay period. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct. You're now free to enter the country.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; maximum cap unknown. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Bulgarian 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and 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 (SME)
Avenida 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Practical information for BG 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 = 21.07 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. You must leave São Tomé and Príncipe within 15 days. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé embassy — but that's rare for Bulgarian tourists.
If you're just changing planes and don't leave the airport transit area, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa for any stopover. If you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), the visa-free rules apply for up to 15 days.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for Bulgarian passports at São Tomé entry.
No. There's no arrival declaration or online pre-registration for Bulgarian passport holders. Just show up with your documents at the airport.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). You don't need to show proof of funds at immigration. But bring some cash (Euros or US dollars are widely accepted) for taxis, meals, and small purchases — ATMs are limited outside the capital.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism only. Any paid work, volunteering, or long-term study requires a proper visa or work permit arranged before travel. If you're caught working without authorization, you risk deportation and a ban.
Overstaying can result in a fine, detention, and a ban from re-entering for a period. The fine is typically around 500-1000 dobras per day (roughly €20-40), but enforcement varies. Always leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.