São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Filipino passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents.
Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe eVisaOfficial portal: São Tomé and Príncipe Digital Visa
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 5 business days before your flight. The application asks for passport details, flight info, and a recent photo — approval comes by email as a PDF you print and carry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Philippine passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration checks this | You must show a confirmed onward ticket when you land at São Tomé International Airport. Immigration officers ask for it at the counter — have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers occasionally ask for proof you have enough money for your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available for the duration. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
Philippine passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply online at evisa.smf.st at least a week before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
Keep digital copies
Save your eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. Screenshots work too. It's faster than digging through your bag.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st and fill out the application. Upload a scan of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Processing takes 3–5 business days, sometimes faster. You'll receive the eVisa by email — print it and save a copy on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: printed eVisa, passport with 6+ months validity, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes. They may ask your hotel address, so have it ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel shuttles wait.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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€60 (~$65 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$108 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$216 USD) plus processing
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work/study/retirement).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$216 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer to apply and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable based on course
€150 (~$162 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$540 USD) plus proof of investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Philippines passport holders. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 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
Philippines 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
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 nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
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, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
São Tomé
Immigration Office at São Tomé International Airport
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight arrivals
Handles entry/exit formalities and emergency visa issues.
Practical information for PH 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 = 21.45 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. Philippine passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option for PH passports.
The fee varies by processing speed. Standard processing is around $50–$70, express can be $80–$100. Check the official eVisa site for current prices.
Typically 3–5 business days. Sometimes it's faster, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months is counted from your date of entry into São Tomé and Príncipe.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. The Philippines is not a yellow fever country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply. Plan your trip within the eVisa's allowed duration.
Immigration may deny you entry. They want proof you'll leave. Book a refundable onward ticket if your plans are uncertain.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.