São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
Mozambican passport holders can enter São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa. You get a free entry stamp on arrival, and the standard stay is 30 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months, carry a printed copy of your flight itinerary to show the airline — some carriers still enforce the old 6-month rule even though the country doesn't require it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you're flying out to a different country, that ticket works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card ready. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, showing a balance equivalent to $100–$200 per day of your stay is enough. Cash in euros or dollars is also accepted. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee — just show up
Mozambican passport holders get visa-free entry to São Tomé and Príncipe. No application, no payment, no forms. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this at check-in — if you're short, you won't board.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all nationalities. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket. Answer any questions clearly. You'll get a free entry stamp — no payment, no forms.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel. Same requirements as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entries; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly listed; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Mozambique passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 (Mozambique is endemic).
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 sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled 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 (SME)
Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and any supporting documents.
Practical information for MZ 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 = 21.02 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 visa is needed. You get a free entry stamp on arrival. There's no application, no fee, and no prior approval required.
The standard stay granted on arrival is 30 days. Overstaying this can cause issues. If you need longer, ask immigration at the airport or visit the immigration office in São Tomé city.
Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance through a São Tomé embassy.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you still need a return or onward ticket. Immigration and airlines require proof of departure from São Tomé. A family invitation letter doesn't replace a ticket.
No, it's not mandatory. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in São Tomé can be expensive, and evacuation to another country can cost thousands.
Overstaying can result in a fine or being flagged in the immigration system. It's best to leave on time or contact immigration in São Tomé city if you have a valid reason.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.