São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Kiwis. The eVisa system has been in place since 2024 and is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal before you fly. Processing takes 2–3 business days — don't wait until the last minute. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the whole trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but a few hundred dollars in accessible funds covers the basics. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
The eVisa system is reliable but not instant. Don't leave it until the last minute. Apply at least 7 days before your flight. If you apply on a weekend, expect a delay until the next business day.
No visa on arrival for Kiwis
Unlike some other nationalities, New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival at São Tomé airport. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before you fly.
2
Check your email and download the eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and save it on your phone. The immigration officer at the airport will scan the QR code on the eVisa.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents, take a fingerprint scan, and stamp your passport. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes if the queue is short.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then pass through customs. There's usually no baggage scan unless you look suspicious. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel drivers wait.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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$120 USD (approx. $120 USD)
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For those with a job offer from a local employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$150 USD
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders. | $120 USD (approx. $120 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds eVisa validity. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
New Zealand 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 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 (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for all travellers. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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
Avenida 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 20.87 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
The eVisa fee is around €20–€30 (about NZD $35–$55), depending on the current exchange rate. You pay online by credit card during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If you apply on a Friday, you might not hear back until the following Wednesday.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-apply for a new eVisa.
São Tomé and Príncipe does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need to show a vaccination certificate. Check with your airline before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport photo doesn't meet requirements or if you have a criminal record. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can re-apply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable.
No, New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before letting you check in.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). ATMs are available at the airport and in the capital, but they sometimes run out of cash. Bring euros or US dollars in cash as a backup — you can exchange them at banks or hotels. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels but not everywhere.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.