São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free entry works for tourism and business visits. Ensure 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 must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines at check-in will verify this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during the visit. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay cannot be extended. Overstaying even by one day can lead to fines and complications. Mark your departure date clearly.
No visa-on-arrival for longer stays
If you plan to stay more than 15 days, you must get a visa from a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies and printouts of all documents.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. No visa fee is charged.
3
Enjoy your stay and track your exit date
You can stay up to 15 days. The visa-free period is not extendable. Make sure you leave before the 15th day to avoid overstay penalties.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for travellers planning several visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from a São Tomé and Príncipe company.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals 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
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; maximum cap unknown. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Russian 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.
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 sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled water.
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
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Handles entry/exit procedures. For urgent issues, contact the main SME office.
Practical information for RU 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 15-day visa-free period is not extendable. You must leave the country before the 15th day. Overstaying can result in fines or difficulties with future travel.
Yes. For stays longer than 15 days, you need to apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. There is no visa-on-arrival option for longer stays.
Immigration at São Tomé International Airport will likely deny you entry. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you arrive. A screenshot or printed copy is sufficient.
It is not officially required for visa-free entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays and emergency evacuation.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter. If it expires sooner, renew it before traveling.
No, there is no arrival declaration form required for Russian passport holders. Just present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation at immigration.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). ATMs are limited, so bring some euros or US dollars in cash to exchange at the airport or local banks. Credit cards are accepted only in major hotels.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.