São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy, effective since 2024, covers tourism and short business trips. Ensure 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 passport needs to be valid for the entire 15-day stay. Airlines at Incheon check this, but São Tomé immigration rarely enforces a 6-month validity rule. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé | 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 screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 available. Officers rarely check this for short stays, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 15 days only
This visa-free entry is strictly for stays up to 15 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel. No extensions are available once you're in the country.
No visa, no fee, no forms
South Korean passport holders get a straightforward entry: no visa application, no fee, and no arrival form. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
You'll land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a small airport, so you can't miss it.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign visitors. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day entry permit. No forms to fill out, no fee to pay. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying something unusual.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no tourist visa application needed. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No multiple entry tourist visa available for this passport. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
No accommodation proof20%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled 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 (SME)
Avenida 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for KR 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 = 20.97 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 than 15 days, you must apply for a visa at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online form required. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential issues when leaving. The exact fine amount varies, but it's best to leave on time or apply for a visa in advance if you need more time.
No, you don't need a visa on arrival because you already get visa-free entry for up to 15 days. If you need a longer stay, you must get a visa beforehand.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. South Korea is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
No, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in the capital, but cash is king everywhere else. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.