São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel. The eVisa is straightforward but requires a few documents — here's exactly what you need.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply at the official eVisa portal before departure — processing takes a few business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Colombian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the whole trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | São Tomé and Príncipe immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready — a printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your stay — around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Colombian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Print the eVisa and keep a digital backup on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe. If it expires sooner, renew before applying — otherwise the eVisa will be denied.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your 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, join the immigration queue. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy if asked.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs desk but it's usually quick. Then you're free to go.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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€60 (~$66 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study, volunteering).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$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)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For those investing at least €50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Colombian passport holders applying online. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)If applying at embassy instead of eVisa. | €60 (~$66 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not guaranteed and subject to approval. | €30 (~$33 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Colombian 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.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Similar to dengue; avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: high
Risk exists nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 da Independência, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Office)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight hours
Handles entry/exit issues and overstay fines.
Practical information for CO 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around $50–$60 USD, but check the eVisa portal for the exact amount — it can change. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Colombia is not on that list, so you likely don't need it — but check with your airline or the embassy if you've recently traveled elsewhere.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
No, Colombian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. That's it. Keep them together in a folder for quick access.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.