São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free policy started in 2024 and covers tourism and business visits. For longer stays, apply for a visa in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your German passport needs to be valid only for the time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity beyond departure, but immigration doesn't enforce that rule. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. No need to print it — showing it on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around €500–€1,000 is usually enough. I've never been asked, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Visa-free only for 15 days
This visa-free entry is strictly limited to 15 days. If you overstay, you may face fines or difficulties when leaving. Plan your trip accordingly.
Medical facilities are limited
São Tomé and Príncipe has basic medical facilities. For serious issues, you may need evacuation to mainland Africa or Europe. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the only international airport, about 5 km from the capital. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and note your allowed stay (15 days). The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick bag scan). You're free to enter the country.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€60 (approx. $65 USD)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Same requirements as single entry but higher fee.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~€200 (approx. $215 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor, police clearance, and medical certificate.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $215 USD)
For foreign workers with a local job offer. Requires employment contract, police clearance, and medical exam. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $108 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $540 USD)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires investment proof and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave after 15 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fineOverstaying may result in fines and possible deportation. Avoid overstaying. | ~€50 per day (estimated, no official cap known) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
German passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialYellow Fever (if not required)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present 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 (SME)
Avenida 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit procedures. For issues on arrival, ask for the immigration supervisor.
Practical information for DE 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 = 20.87 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. If you want to stay longer than 15 days, you must apply for a visa at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of arrival.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Germany is not a risk country, so if you fly directly from Germany, you don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a risk country, get the shot and carry the certificate.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask for proof that you're leaving within the 15-day period. A one-way ticket is grounds for refusal.
No, there is no arrival declaration required. You just show your passport and 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 restaurants, but you'll get better rates using the local currency. ATMs are available in the capital, but not everywhere.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.