São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Mexican passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option for Mexican citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply at the official eVisa portal at least a few days before your trip. The application asks for passport details, flight info, and a recent photo — approval usually comes within 48 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Mexican passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. No specific 6-month rule applies here, but airlines may check for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at São Tomé airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during the trip — a daily budget of around $100 USD per person is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Mexican citizens cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in São Tomé, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — print it and keep a digital copy.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: printed eVisa, passport with 6+ months validity, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a São Toméan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrollment in an accredited educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Mexican passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you exceed the authorized stay. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Mexican 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and netting.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Practical information for MX 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://evisa.smf.st/.
The exact fee is set by the São Tomé government and may vary. Check the eVisa portal for the current amount — it's usually around €50–€100. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry if your passport doesn't have 6 months of validity left from your arrival date.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
No. Mexican passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll need dobras for smaller purchases. ATMs are limited in the capital.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.