São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. Apply before you travel.
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 flight. The application asks for your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Nigerian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. There is no formal 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for it | Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket. Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport sometimes ask to see proof that you're leaving within the allowed stay period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your trip. Immigration rarely checks, but it's a standard requirement in the visa rules. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply for the eVisa online before your trip. Airlines will check this before you board.
Yellow fever vaccination
If you're arriving from Nigeria (a yellow fever endemic country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number — no need to carry the printed copy, but it's safer.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
At immigration, present your passport (with 6+ months validity) and your eVisa (printed or digital). The officer will stamp you in. The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Show your return ticket and accommodation
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and your first night's booking. Have screenshots or printed copies handy. They rarely check, but it's better to be prepared.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (≈ $66 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (≈ $110 USD)
For frequent visitors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Nigerian passport holders. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied at embassy)Alternative if eVisa not used. | €60 (≈ $66 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €100 (≈ $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration before departure. | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day, max €200 (≈ $220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Nigerian passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 risk (Nigeria is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high year-round in all areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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.
Practical information for NG 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around $50–$60 USD, but it can vary slightly. You pay online with a credit or debit card. No additional embassy fees.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Nigeria is on the list). You'll need to show your yellow card at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
You will be denied boarding by your airline. São Tomé and Príncipe does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
No. The eVisa is single-entry only. If you leave São Tomé and Príncipe, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa to re-enter.
Your passport (6+ months validity), printed or digital eVisa, return/onward ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.