São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cyprus passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa-free entry covers tourism and short business trips. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entryYou can enter without applying for a visa in advance for short visits. Up to 15 days | Cyprus passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 15 days in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of arrival to avoid denial of entry. 6 months beyond stay | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into São Tomé and Príncipe. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for immigration stamps upon arrival and departure. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration officers may request evidence that you will leave São Tomé and Príncipe within the allowed stay. | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket upon arrival. While not explicitly required by law, it is strongly recommended to carry proof of onward travel. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash, credit cards, or bank statements to show you can cover expenses during your visit. | No specific amount is required, but you should be able to demonstrate you have enough funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online or paper arrival form before travel. | No arrival declaration is required for Cyprus passport holders entering São Tomé and Príncipe. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou do not need to apply for an electronic visa in advance. | No e-visa is required for Cyprus passport holders for stays up to 15 days. | Not required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If your passport has less than 6 months remaining from your arrival date, you will not be allowed to fly. Double-check before you travel.
15-day limit is non-negotiable
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days — not 16. Overstaying even by a day can lead to fines and a note in your immigration record. Plan your departure carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. No visa fee.
2
Passport control
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask the purpose of your visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly and clearly. They might also ask to see your return ticket. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter the country.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostApprox. $100
For business activities beyond short meetings; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostApprox. $80
For stays longer than 15 days; apply at São Tomé embassy abroad.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days total)Apply at Immigration Office in São Tomé before initial 15 days expire. | Approx. $50 |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Departure tax is typically included in airline ticket. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient passport validity30%
Lack of proof of accommodation25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Cyprus passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, visa-free entry rules apply (up to 15 days).
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 ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito avoidance measures.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional cases reported.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are 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 Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteiras (Border Police) – Airport Office
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Practical information for CY 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave São Tomé and Príncipe within 15 days. Overstaying can result in fines or problems with future entry.
You need to apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. There is no visa-on-arrival option for longer stays. Plan ahead.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccines. Check with your doctor for routine travel vaccinations.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration.
No. There is no arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Cypriot passport holders. Just show your passport and return ticket at immigration.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops, but you'll need dobras for smaller purchases. ATMs are available in the capital.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.