São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Israeli passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. The application is entirely online, and you must have it approved before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st. The application takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport scan and a passport photo. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Israeli 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 be valid for the duration of your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | You need a confirmed onward ticket out of São Tomé and Príncipe. Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport check this for every foreigner — a one-way ticket gets you denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines flying into São Tomé sometimes request proof of accommodation at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your trip. Immigration does not enforce a specific amount, but having a recent statement avoids delays if they ask. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
The eVisa website is not the fastest. Some travellers report delays of up to 2 weeks. Don't leave it to the last minute.
Keep a printed copy of your eVisa
Phone screens can die or lose signal. Print a paper copy of your eVisa and keep it with your passport. Airlines and immigration officers prefer paper.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa website (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will ask to see your eVisa and your return ticket. Have both ready — either printed or on your phone. Without the eVisa, you won't be allowed to board.
4
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask about your accommodation and return ticket. Have those details ready. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
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€120 (~$130 USD)
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (~$325 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€1,000 (~$1,085 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if stay exceeds visa validity. | €20 (~$22 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Israel passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport do not require 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)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk exists 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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for IL 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The official fee is not listed on the government site, but reports from travellers put it around €20–€30. You'll pay online by credit card during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter with a new eVisa.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Israel is not a risk country, but if you've recently travelled to one, you'll need the certificate.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport photo doesn't meet requirements or if there's an error in your details. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
No. Israeli passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly.
If you're transiting through São Tomé International Airport without leaving the transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need the eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.