São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Malaysia 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
Malaysian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. The application is done entirely online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa costs roughly $20–$30 USD depending on processing speed. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Malaysian passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines may still ask for at least 6 months validity at check-in, so check with your carrier before flying. | 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 may be 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 can speed up immigration. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry proof of sufficient funds — around $100 USD per day of stay — in cash or a bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for short tourist visits, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Malaysian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from the day you leave. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.smf.st/ and fill out the application. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Check your email for the eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Malaysia passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not require 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.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
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 Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Practical information for MY 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around €30–€50 depending on the type. Check the official site for the exact amount. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a vaccination certificate. Malaysia is not a yellow fever country, so it's not required unless you've recently been to an affected area.
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation. All international arrivals come by air to São Tomé International Airport. There are no land borders.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops. Bring some cash for smaller purchases.
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.