São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders can enter São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism and short business visits. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Icelandic passport just needs to be valid for the time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe — no 6-month rule. Airlines at Keflavík may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration at São Tomé International Airport checks for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ferry ticket to a neighboring country. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your entire stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, a booking.com confirmation or a letter from your host works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the visit | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least €50 per day. Immigration doesn't usually check, but budget airlines from Lisbon or Accra may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
Overstaying even by a day can result in fines or future entry bans. Set a reminder to leave before your 15 days are up.
No visa fee
There is no visa fee for Icelandic passport holders. The entry is completely free.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
You'll land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). Follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all passengers.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket. Have your phone ready with the booking screenshot.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 15-day entry permit. No visa sticker or fee. You're free to enter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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~$50 USD (exact fee may vary)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (exact fee may vary)
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150–$300 USD (depending on type)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus processing fees)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a São Tomé and Príncipe employer. Requires contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Up to 1 year, renewable based on course
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (plus proof of investment)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $50,000+) in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 15 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (likely per day, max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Iceland passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 any relevant forms.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight hours
Handles entry and exit procedures. For urgent issues, ask for the immigration supervisor.
Practical information for IS 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 need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before traveling or leave and re-enter.
There is no official requirement for Icelandic travelers, but if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline or the embassy before departure.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, visa on arrival is not available. The visa-free policy covers your stay up to 15 days. For longer stays, you need a visa in advance.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll need dobra for markets and taxis. ATMs are available in São Tomé city.
No, there is no arrival declaration required. Just your passport and boarding pass.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
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.