São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — the process takes a few days. As of 2026, there are no visa-on-arrival options, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Ghanaian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to cover your travel dates. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at São Tomé airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you're island-hopping, a ferry or flight booking to another country works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed reservation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration may ask for proof you have enough money for your trip. Carry a bank statement from the last month or a credit card with a visible limit. No fixed amount is published, but having the equivalent of $500–$1,000 USD in cash or card is safe. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa takes 3–5 business days to process. There is no expedited option. If you apply too close to your departure, you risk not getting approval in time.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport bio page, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printed copy, you can show the digital version.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airport, present your passport and printed eVisa. The airline will verify your onward ticket and passport validity. Board your flight to São Tomé International Airport (TMS).
4
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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 eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD) plus fees
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (~$165 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$110 USD) plus school fees
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$550 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing a minimum of €50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Ghana passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply before expiry. | €30 (~$33 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Ghana 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
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 risk (Ghana is endemic). Must show certificate.
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
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
São Tomé
Immigration Office at São Tomé International Airport
São Tomé International Airport
Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00
For entry/exit issues and emergency permits.
Practical information for GH 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 = 21.04 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is not listed on the portal upfront, but expect around €20–€30. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for Ghanaian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not your departure.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Ghana). You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have them ready in your hand before you reach the officer.
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.