São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Cameroon 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
Cameroonian passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. The process is entirely online, and you must have your approval printed or saved on your phone before you travel. As of 2026, there are no visa-on-arrival options for Cameroonians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum 6-month rule applies here, but airlines may still enforce one — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. The official requirement is vague, but having at least $500 equivalent in cash or card is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival if you're coming from Cameroon or any country with yellow fever risk. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
eVisa is your only option
There is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Cameroonian passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $20–$30) and submit. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Download the PDF, print a copy, and save it 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, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon 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, 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 frequent visitors; each entry limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For foreign workers 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 annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Cameroon passport holders applying online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; 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 dayNo official maximum cap published; avoid overstay. | €10 per day (approx. $11 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
Cameroon passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
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; Cameroon is considered endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk exists 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, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Trindade
Posto de Migração de Trindade
Rua Principal, Trindade
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Smaller office; may handle extensions for nearby visitors.
Practical information for CM 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
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No. Cameroonian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
Yes. São Tomé and Príncipe requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Cameroon is considered a risk country, so carry your yellow card.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Have them ready before you reach the counter.
Yes, around $20–$30, paid online during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
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.