São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free policy started in 2024. 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. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but around €50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this before departure — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to board.
No visa, no fee, no application
Croatian citizens get 15 days visa-free. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. No forms to fill, no embassy visit needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Present your passport (valid 6+ months) and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. No visa fee. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
2
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). No arrival declaration form needed.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
CostApproximately 1,000 STN (~$44 USD)
Apply at São Tomé embassy abroad or on arrival if pre-approved. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostApproximately 2,500 STN (~$110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; must apply in advance at a diplomatic mission.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately 5,000 STN (~$220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, family). Apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
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)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in local business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstaying beyond 15 days incurs a daily fine; avoid to prevent entry bans. | Approximately 500 STN per day (~$22 USD), max 10,000 STN (~$440 USD) |
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
Croatian 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialYellow FeverRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled 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 extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photo, and proof of funds.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit procedures. For urgent matters, visit during daytime.
Practical information for HR 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 = 21.1 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 stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., for an overnight layover), the 15-day visa-free rule applies.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
No, there is no visa on arrival. Croatian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 15 days. No application or fee needed.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is not required but recommended.
No, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 15 days. Airlines check this before boarding.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops. ATMs are available in the capital.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.