São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines at CDG and ORY may still ask for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at the passport control desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | You are not required to show a specific amount, but having a bank statement or credit card with a few hundred euros available helps if an officer asks how you plan to cover your trip. Most visitors never get asked. | Recommended |
15 days is strict
The 15-day visa-free period starts the day you land. Overstaying, even by a day, can result in a fine and problems at departure. Set a reminder to leave on time.
No visa on arrival for longer stays
If you plan to stay more than 15 days, you must get a visa from a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel. There is no visa on arrival option for longer stays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer may ask your hotel name and how long you're staying. Answer clearly. The process takes 5–10 minutes.
2
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day entry. Check the stamp says '15 days' before walking away. If you need more time, ask at the immigration office in São Tomé city before your 15 days are up.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. There's a customs desk at the exit — they rarely check bags, but don't bring prohibited items (like fresh fruit or meat).
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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~€55 (approx. $60 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~€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent visitors. Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a local company. May allow longer stays.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer from a local employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 15 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are applied at departure. Avoid overstaying as it may affect future entry. | ~€20 per day (approx. $22 USD), max cap unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
French passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa-free entry (15 days) applies instead.
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. Certificate must be presented upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season. Use insect repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain. Prevention via mosquito avoidance.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Handles entry/exit stamps and overstay fines. Arrive early for departure.
Practical information for FR 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 need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before you travel or leave and re-enter after a short trip to a neighboring country.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not required for entry from France, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need proof of vaccination. Check current requirements with your airline.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
No, you must have a return or onward ticket. Immigration will check this. A one-way ticket will get you denied boarding.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using dobra. ATMs are available in São Tomé city.
No, there's no arrival declaration form. Just your passport and return ticket.
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.