São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Pakistan 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

Pakistani passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You apply entirely online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or short visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal at least 5 business days before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Pakistani passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in São Tomé and Príncipe. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having the address and contact number ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $100 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover accommodation and expenses without working.Recommended
Apply early
The eVisa processing time is 2-5 business days, but it can take longer during holidays or if there are technical issues. Apply at least 10 days before your flight.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter São Tomé and Príncipe. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your passport now.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
You'll get the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy and also save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
At the airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)

Standard option for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)

Ideal for multiple trips.

Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)

Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose.

work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For those investing at least €50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Pakistan passport holders.€50 (~$55 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; may be obtained on arrival if eligible.€50 (~$55 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.€100 (~$110 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Possible at immigration office; subject to approval.€30 (~$33 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of €200 (~$220 USD).€10 (~$11 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

Pakistan passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.

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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.

Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common; avoid tap water and street food.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk is highest 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 (SME)
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7

Handles entry/exit and transit issues.

Practical information for PK 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
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around $50-60 USD, but it can vary. Check the eVisa portal for the current amount. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply. The maximum stay is typically 30 days.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Pakistan), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required. Check with your doctor.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Pakistani passport holders. There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. That's it. Keep them together in a folder.

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.