São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
Brazilian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy, effective since 2024, covers tourism and business trips. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe eVisaOfficial portal: São Tomé and Príncipe Digital Visa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to 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 from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you'll leave within your visa-free period. Without one, you may be refused entry at the airport in São Tomé. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show where you're staying for at least the first few nights. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. The amount isn't fixed, but having around $500–$1,000 USD equivalent covers most scenarios. | Recommended |
Visa-free only for 15 days
The 15-day visa-free period starts the day you arrive. If you overstay, you may face fines or difficulties when leaving. Plan your trip accordingly.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Brazilian citizens. If you need to stay longer than 15 days, you must apply for a visa at the São Tomé embassy in Brasília before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. The queue moves at a relaxed pace — expect 15-30 minutes. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee is charged. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 15 days.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick bag scan). You're free to go.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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~$50 USD (equivalent in Dobras)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from immigration.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer from a local employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free entry is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Brazilian 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 yellow fever risk; Brazil is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
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 avoid standing water.
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 or 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 fee.
Practical information for BR 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 = 21.45 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
Brazilian passport holders can stay up to 15 days visa-free. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in São Tomé city before your 15 days are up. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around 500 STN (about $25 USD).
Yes, but you must apply before your initial 15 days expire. Go to the Immigration Office (Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros) in São Tomé city. The extension fee is approximately 500 STN. Approval is at the officer's discretion.
If you're connecting to another flight and don't leave the airport transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need to follow the visa-free rules (15 days) or get a visa if staying longer.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for short trips.
No, visa on arrival is not available for Brazilian citizens. You either use the visa-free entry (up to 15 days) or apply for a visa in advance if you need a longer stay. The visa-free entry is free.
Officially, immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds, but in practice it's rarely requested. Having a credit card or some cash (Euros or Dobras) is enough. The dobra is the local currency, but Euros are widely accepted.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended but not mandatory for entry from Brazil. Check with your doctor about routine vaccines and malaria prophylaxis. No COVID-19 restrictions are currently in place.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.