São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Hungarian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa-free policy has been in place since 2026, making short trips straightforward. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hungarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in, so verify your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a copy of your 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 | Keep a bank statement or credit card handy to show you can cover your expenses. Immigration doesn't usually check this, but it's better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration will check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close, renew before you go. There are no exceptions.
15-day limit is firm
The visa-free stay cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from future visits. Plan your trip accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save your return ticket, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Download a local eSIM or SIM card if you want data immediately.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in — no visa needed.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick green channel). You're free to go.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. For stays longer than 15 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or family reasons. Requires sponsor and approval.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a local job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-free entries. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no separate tourist visa needed. | Not applicable for visa-free entry |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No multiple-entry visa option for Hungary holders. | Not applicable |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
Hungary passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 (e.g., Angola, Brazil).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialYellow Fever (if not required)ConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Also mosquito-borne; similar prevention as dengue.
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 Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit procedures. For urgent issues, visit during daytime.
Practical information for HU 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 = 21.03 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 want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Hungary is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled elsewhere, check the requirements.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 15 days. Airlines may also check this before boarding.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll need dobra for smaller purchases. ATMs are available in São Tomé city but can be unreliable. Bring some euros in cash.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Hungarian passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.