São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 15, 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 e-visa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel—there's no visa on arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa for São Tomé and PríncipeYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure the eVisa before you fly. Apply online before travel | Ghanaian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal, submit the required documents, and pay the fee. Approval is typically issued electronically; carry a printed or digital copy. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well in advance—if it's close, renew it before applying for the eVisa. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Ghanaian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into São Tomé and Príncipe. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, unused page for immigration to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking—have it ready. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave São Tomé and Príncipe before your authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds can speed up entry and avoid issues. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards) to cover your expenses during your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra health or customs form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for São Tomé and Príncipe for Ghanaian passport holders. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your trip dates carefully—overstaying could lead to fines or other penalties. Not possible | The eVisa for São Tomé and Príncipe cannot be extended. You must leave the country before the visa expiry date. | Not required |
No visa on arrival
Ghanaian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe. You must have an approved e-visa before you fly. Don't risk showing up without one.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate with you. Immigration will ask for it, and without it you could be denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to the official São Tomé and Príncipe e-visa portal and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Once approved, you'll receive an e-visa document. Print it out or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
When you land, head to immigration control. Present your passport, the printed e-visa (or digital copy), and your yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Have your return ticket ready in case they ask.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from a São Toméan company.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$40 (approx.)
For onward travel within 72 hours; must show confirmed onward ticket.
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (tourist, single entry)Valid for 30 days from arrival; apply online before travel. | $120 (approx.) |
| Visa extensionPossible at immigration office in São Tomé; apply before current visa expires. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feePaid at airport on departure; included in some airline tickets. | $20 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Ghanaian passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through São Tomé and Príncipe.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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 = 21.45 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
Processing usually takes about 3 to 5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around $100 USD, but it can change. Check the official e-visa portal for the current amount before applying.
No, Ghanaian citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must have an approved e-visa before you travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from Ghana. Without it, you may be refused entry.
The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes, the e-visa is typically single-entry. If you leave São Tomé and Príncipe, you'll need a new visa to return.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.