São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an eVisa at the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal at least 5 business days before departure. The application asks for passport details, flight info, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online — approval comes by email as a PDF you print and carry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Iraqi passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines enforce this at check-in too — have the booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border — a printed booking confirmation or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply early
The eVisa processing time can vary. Submit your application at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. Do not travel without an approved eVisa — you will be refused entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo and pay the fee (if any). Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport — the whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes if your documents are in order.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa cost for single entry. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | €10 per day (approx. $11 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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; 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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for IQ 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but can be quicker. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The official eVisa fee varies — check the application portal at https://evisa.smf.st/ for the current amount. There may be a processing fee on top.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a confirmed return or onward ticket before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.