São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders must get an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You apply entirely online before traveling. As of 2026, this is the only way to obtain a visa for tourism or business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required for Sri Lankan passport holders | Apply online at the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa costs around $120 USD and processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport checks it before stamping entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just ensure the passport covers your entire stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity at check-in, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from a host in São Tomé and Príncipe help satisfy immigration. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Keep a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. Bank statements or a credit card statement work. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot enter São Tomé and Príncipe without an approved eVisa. There is no visa on arrival. Apply online at evisa.smf.st at least one week before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
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 accommodation. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive. If it's been more than a week, contact the eVisa support team.
3
Print or save your eVisa
Print a paper copy of the eVisa and also save the PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in São Tomé.
4
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, go to the immigration hall. Present your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 USD
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Sri Lanka passport holders. | $120 USD (approx. 120 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Sri Lanka 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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.
Practical information for LK 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
The eVisa fee is around $50–$100 depending on the type and processing speed. Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application. Check the official eVisa website for the exact current fee.
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If you need it urgently, some sources mention an expedited option for an extra fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever endemic country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently been to an affected area. Check with your doctor.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport photo doesn't meet requirements. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the eVisa support team if you need help.
No, Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines may deny boarding without it.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in the capital but can be unreliable. Bring enough euros or dollars in cash for your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.