São Tomé and Príncipe customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

São Tomé and Príncipe is not a country where you clear customs on autopilot. The airport is small, there is no red/green channel, and the officer at the single line has wide discretion. The most common costly mistake is not the duty-free allowance but cash: the declaration threshold is low by regional standards and undeclared money can be seized on the spot.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Amounts above this are assessed for duty by the customs officer.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying 10,000 USD or more (approximately 220,000,000 STN) or the equivalent in any other currency. There is no separate published STN threshold; the USD 10,000 figure is the standard applied at São Tomé International Airport. Declaration is made verbally to the customs officer or on the arrival form if one is distributed on the flight.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to 800 USD (approximately 18,000,000 STN) are duty-free. Above that, customs applies duty at rates that vary by category — typically 20–50% for consumer goods, with higher rates on luxury items. There is no published flat rate; the officer assesses on the spot.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (cocaine, heroin, cannabis, MDMA, and any unlicensed pharmaceutical opioids)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior written authorisation from the Ministry of Defence
  • Fresh meat, poultry, and unpasteurised dairy products from regions with animal disease outbreaks
  • Live plants, soil, and seeds without a phytosanitary certificate
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media
  • Political materials deemed subversive by the government

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medications — allowed with a valid prescription and doctor's letter; controlled substances need Ministry of Health approval
  • Drones — require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority before arrival
  • Satellite phones — require a licence from the telecommunications regulator
  • Pets and live animals — require an import permit and veterinary health certificate
  • Cultural artefacts and protected wildlife products — require export/import permits under CITES

Arriving: red vs green channel

São Tomé International Airport is small and arrivals are processed quickly. There is no automated red/green channel system — you walk through a single customs line and an officer may wave you through or ask you to open your bags. If you have nothing to declare, you still pass the same line; if you have goods above the allowance or cash above the threshold, declare it verbally to the officer before your bags are searched. A declaration form is sometimes distributed on inbound flights, but do not count on it — ask the officer if you are unsure.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter. São Tomé and Príncipe has no published list of controlled substances, but customs officers treat any unlabelled pills with suspicion. Narcotics, strong opioids, and psychotropic drugs require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Health. Common Western medications such as codeine-based painkillers and some ADHD stimulants are not routinely available locally and may be questioned — carry only what you need for your trip and declare it if asked.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plant material, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are prohibited from entering without a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and sealed goods (canned food, packaged snacks) are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use. Do not bring any plant cuttings, soil, or seeds — São Tomé and Príncipe is an island ecosystem and biosecurity rules are enforced to protect local agriculture.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is strictly enforced

The 10,000 USD threshold is low and officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask about cash. If you are carrying close to the limit, declare it. Undeclared amounts can be seized and you may face a fine of up to 30% of the undeclared sum.

No duty-free shop on arrival

There is no duty-free shop at São Tomé International Airport on arrival. Buy your alcohol and tobacco before you fly or on the plane — you cannot top up after landing.

Currency limits on exit

When leaving São Tomé and Príncipe, you cannot take more than 5,000,000 STN (approximately 220 USD) in local currency out of the country. Convert excess dobras before departure or spend them at the airport.

Gifts for family are scrutinised

Travellers visiting family often carry multiple phones, laptops, or large bags of clothing. Customs treats these as commercial imports if they exceed the 800 USD personal allowance and will charge duty. Keep receipts for anything valuable.

Frequently asked questions

Not always. Some inbound flights distribute a combined immigration/customs form, but many do not. If no form is given, you declare verbally to the customs officer after baggage claim. If you have nothing to declare, you simply walk through the customs line — but be ready to answer questions about cash and goods.
Not without a permit. Drones require prior authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority (Autoridade da Aviação Civil). Arriving with a drone without a permit will result in confiscation and a possible fine. Apply at least 30 days before travel.
The limit is 5,000,000 STN (about 220 USD) per person. Anything above that must be declared and you may need to show that you legally acquired it. There is no limit on foreign currency you take out, but if you are carrying more than 10,000 USD equivalent you must declare it on exit as well.
Yes — fresh meat, poultry, unpasteurised dairy, and any fresh fruit or vegetables are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Sealed, processed foods like canned goods, chocolate, and packaged snacks are fine for personal use. If in doubt, declare it.
The customs officer will assess duty on the excess. Rates are not published but typically range from 20% to 50% of the value above 800 USD. You can pay in cash (STN, EUR, or USD) on the spot. If you refuse to pay, the goods may be confiscated.
Yes, for personal use, with the original packaging and a copy of your prescription. For controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants), you need prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Carry only the amount you need for your trip — customs may question large quantities.
No. São Tomé and Príncipe does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. You cannot claim back tax on purchases when you leave.

Official source

Direcção Geral das Alfândegas de São Tomé e Príncipe

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direcção Geral das Alfândegas de São Tomé e Príncipe before travelling.