São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This visa-free policy is in effect for 2026 and covers tourism and short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 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 for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly €100 per day of your stay. Immigration may ask to see it if you look under-resourced — better to have it than to be turned away. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival day
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport.
No visa, no fee, no forms
Romanian passport holders get 15 days visa-free with zero paperwork. Just your passport and a return ticket. Quick and easy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
You'll land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. The queue is usually short — expect 10–20 minutes.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee, no forms to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check for tourists. You're free to go.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple visits within validity. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
Requires employer or school sponsorship. Apply at embassy with supporting documents.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution 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., $100,000) in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)The 15-day visa-free stay is not extendable. | N/A |
| Overstay fineOverstaying may result in fines and possible deportation. Avoid overstay. | Unknown (estimated ~$50/day, max cap 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
Romanian 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialYellow Fever (if not required)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water areas.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 (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
24/7
Handles entry/exit procedures. For urgent issues, contact SME during office hours.
Practical information for RO 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 = 21.07 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, you don't need a visa. Romanian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism or short business trips. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a visa at a São Tomé embassy before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, proof of funds is not required for entry. But it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (dobras or euros) for your stay.
No, there's no arrival declaration or online form required. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops. ATMs are available in São Tomé city but can be unreliable. Bring some euros in cash.
You'll need to apply for a visa at a São Tomé embassy before traveling. There's no way to extend the visa-free stay once you're in the country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.