São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free policy has been in place since 2024 and applies to tourism and short business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 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 time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at passport control. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. A printed or digital copy works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you can't show where you're staying, they can refuse entry. A simple booking confirmation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your expenses. There's no official minimum, but having at least €100–€200 per day in accessible funds avoids any questions at the border. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If it's less than 6 months from your arrival date, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions.
No visa needed, but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Having them ready on your phone or printed saves time and stress.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Print or save digital copies of your passport info page, return ticket, and first night's hotel booking. Keep them in a separate folder on your phone.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. The whole process takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to go.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for travellers planning several visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
For longer stays; requires invitation letter or specific purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a São Tomé company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; maximum cap unknown but can be substantial. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
Latvia 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; no specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout São Tomé and Príncipe. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit procedures. For urgent issues, contact the main SME office.
Practical information for LV 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 = 21.1 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 at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Not required for entry from Europe, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need the certificate. Check current requirements before you go.
No, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 15 days. Airlines check this before boarding.
No, there's no arrival fee for visa-free travellers. You just go through immigration as normal.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in São Tomé city but unreliable — bring enough cash for your stay.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you need a proper visa arranged in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.