São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — it's straightforward and avoids any hassle at the airport. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an eVisa at the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa 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 cover your stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. No 6-month validity rule applies here, but airlines may still enforce their own policy — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at São Tomé airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having proof avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show you're not arriving without means. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must get the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
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, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes a few business days. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print a copy or save the PDF on your phone.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
When you land, head to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp you in — the whole process is usually quick.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form needed.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 (≈ $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (≈ $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (≈ $220 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (≈ $220 USD)
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)
1 year, renewable
€150 (≈ $165 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; available on arrival if eVisa not obtained. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (≈ $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (≈ $550 USD). | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Ethiopian 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; chloroquine resistance reported.
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.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues and transit permits.
Practical information for ET 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. You'll get the approval by email.
The official fee varies — check the eVisa portal at evisa.smf.st for the current amount. Pay with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Ethiopia is not on the risk list, but if you've traveled to a risk country recently, bring your certificate.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival for Ethiopian passport holders.
Yes, a PDF on your phone is fine. But having a printed backup never hurts — keep it with your passport.
No transit visa is needed if you stay airside and don't clear immigration. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the standard eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.