São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026 and covers tourism and short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines at Dublin and connecting hubs check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to show you have enough money for your 15 days. Immigration rarely checks this, but it's better to have it on hand. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go.
No visa fee at the airport
Entry is completely free for Irish passport holders. You don't pay anything at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or save your return ticket and first-night hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM if you want data on arrival.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the main airport near the capital. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a small terminal, so queues move quickly.
3
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly. You'll get a free entry stamp valid for up to 15 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no visa fee to pay.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For travellers needing multiple entries. Same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from a local company. May allow longer stays.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a local company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for visa-free entries. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; maximum cap unknown but may lead to deportation. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Similar prevention as dengue.
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 (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 proof of funds.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteiras (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Handles entry and exit procedures. For urgent issues, visit the main SME office.
Practical information for IE 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 strictly for 15 days. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from re-entry.
It's not officially required, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card handy. If an officer asks, showing you can cover your stay helps avoid delays.
No, departure tax is included in your airfare. You don't need to pay anything extra when leaving.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before booking your trip.
No. Immigration requires proof of a return or onward ticket. Without it, you may be refused entry. Book a refundable onward ticket if your plans are flexible.
No mandatory vaccines for Irish passport holders. But yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need more than 15 days, you must apply for a visa before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.