São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism and short business trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines at Doha (DOH) may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration at São Tomé International Airport (TMS) routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Keep a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask for it if you look underprepared — better to have it than to fumble. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days — no extensions. Overstaying can result in fines or trouble at departure. Plan your itinerary carefully.
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the main airport near the capital. Follow signs to immigration — it's a small airport, so queues are usually short.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee or form needed.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. The whole process takes about 15–30 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent)
For multiple visits; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent)
Requires invitation letter from a local company.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a local employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Provides residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if allowed)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 15 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties may apply but specific rates are not publicly available. | 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
Qatar 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 yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for QA 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
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. You must leave before the 15 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a visa in advance through a São Tomé embassy.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Qatar is not a risk country, so it's not required unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
No, there's no arrival declaration or online form required. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
The main entry point is São Tomé International Airport (TMS). There are no other international airports. If arriving by sea, you'll still clear immigration at the port in São Tomé city.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in São Tomé city but can be unreliable — bring some cash.
If you're transiting through São Tomé International Airport and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, the same visa-free rules apply — up to 15 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.