São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You apply entirely online before traveling, and you'll show the approved eVisa at immigration. 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 the official portal. Processing takes a few business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Indian passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may enforce one — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from São Tomé and Príncipe. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash ready to demonstrate you can cover your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply for the eVisa well in advance
Processing can take up to a week, and there's no rush service. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least 10 days before your flight to avoid delays.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, flight tickets, and hotel confirmations on your phone and email. If you lose your printed documents, you can still show them at immigration.
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 with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Save it on your phone and print a paper copy to carry with your passport. Immigration at São Tomé International Airport will check it when you arrive.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket (on your phone is fine), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. It's straightforward — just be patient.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date. Check the stamp before leaving the counter to make sure the dates are correct. You're free to enter after that.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (~$330 USD) + processing
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€1,000 (~$1,100 USD) + investment
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, processed at embassy. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
No transit visa needed
Indian 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
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
Avenida 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues and overstay fines.
Practical information for IN 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 = 20.87 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 a week. Apply at least 10 days before your trip to avoid last-minute stress. There's no expedited option.
The exact fee varies and is set by the government. You'll see the amount when you fill out the application on the official portal. Expect it to be around $50–$100 USD. Pay with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa from abroad. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. India is not considered a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to an affected area, carry your certificate. Check with your doctor before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You'll usually get a reason. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
No, Indian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before arrival. There is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Indian citizens.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the printed eVisa, a return or onward ticket (on your phone is fine), and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have them ready when you reach the counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.