São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can enter São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026. Just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in STP will deny boarding if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Without one, you risk being denied entry and put on the next flight out. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the immigration desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. The amount isn't fixed, but around €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely check this for short stays. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days. There's no grace period and no extension option. If you overstay, you'll face a fine and potential difficulties leaving. Plan your trip carefully.
No visa needed — just show up
Portuguese passport holders have one of the easiest entry processes to São Tomé and Príncipe. No visa application, no fees, no paperwork. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if you have documents ready.
2
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. There's a small customs desk but they rarely check tourists. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel drivers wait.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost~$50 USD (approx.)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx.)
For frequent travellers. Must show travel history and itinerary.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (approx.)
Requires sponsor or strong ties. For work, study, or family reasons.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx.)
For foreign workers with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx.)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in local business or real estate. Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx.)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costExtension not available for visa-free entry. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Portugal passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need 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 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/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled 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 proof of funds.
Trindade
SME Trindade
Rua Principal, Trindade
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Smaller office; may handle basic inquiries.
Practical information for PT 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 = 21.03 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 want 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 a ban.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Angola), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you're flying directly from Portugal, it's not required. Check the latest WHO list before you travel.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using the local currency. Bring euros in cash — there are ATMs at the airport and in São Tomé city, but they can run out of cash.
No. There's no arrival fee or tourist tax for Portuguese passport holders. The visa-free entry is completely free.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline or turned away at immigration.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the transit area (e.g., for an overnight layover), you'll need to meet the same visa-free entry requirements.
You'll likely be denied boarding at your departure airport. Airlines are required to check that passengers have onward travel. Even if you get through, immigration in São Tomé will ask for proof of departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.