São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Polish passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism or short business visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and you have a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Polish passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines may still enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination flight ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in São Tomé and Príncipe. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days from the date of entry. There is no grace period. Overstaying can lead to fines and a ban on future visits. Plan your exit accordingly.
Medical facilities are limited
São Tomé and Príncipe has basic medical facilities. For serious issues, evacuation to mainland Africa or Europe may be needed. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your arrival date. Book your return ticket and first night's accommodation. Save digital copies of everything on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. The process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel transfers wait.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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 date
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate; requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for travellers planning to leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a São Tomé employer. Requires contract, employer sponsorship, and police clearance. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not permitted for visa-free stays; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown (not officially available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced at immigration upon departure; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10-20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Polish 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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled or boiled water.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and application form.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
Open 24/7
Handles entry/exit formalities; overstay fines paid here upon departure.
Practical information for PL 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 = 21.1 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. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
If you're transiting and staying airside (don't pass immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free requirements or have a visa.
No specific arrival fee for Polish passport holders. The visa-free entry is free. However, some hotels may charge a small tourist tax at checkout — check with your accommodation.
Children need their own passport with the same 6-month validity. If only one parent is traveling, bring a notarized consent letter from the other parent, especially if surnames differ. Immigration may ask for it.
Temporary or emergency passports are not recommended. São Tomé and Príncipe immigration may refuse entry. Use a full validity passport to avoid problems.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using local currency. Bring cash — ATMs are scarce outside the capital.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.