São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ivory Coast passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — the process takes a few business days. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply at the official eVisa portal at least a few days before your trip. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo — processing usually takes 2–3 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the immigration desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Yellow Fever Vaccination Required
If you are arriving from Ivory Coast (a yellow fever risk country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
eVisa Only — No Visa on Arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official São Tomé eVisa website (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 2–5 business days.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Once your eVisa is approved, print a copy or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance ready. Keep digital copies in a cloud folder as backup.
3
Arrival at São Tomé International Airport
At the airport in São Tomé, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
€50 (approx. $55 USD)
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if you exceed the authorized stay. | €10 per day (max €200) |
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
Transit visa is not required for Ivory Coast holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe 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)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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
For visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for CI 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 = 21.01 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
Yes. You must apply for an eVisa online before traveling. There is no visa on arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The cost is around $30–$50 depending on processing speed.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you would need to apply for a different visa type from the immigration office in São Tomé.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ivory Coast is a risk country, so you will need to show proof of vaccination at immigration.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in the capital.
Yes. You can buy a local SIM at the airport or use an eSIM from providers like Airalo. eSIMs activate immediately on landing — no need to queue at a shop.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.