São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply online before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for an eVisa at the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration will check it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just ensure it covers your full stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. This is checked before boarding in most cases. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. A booking confirmation email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having a recent statement or a credit card with available limit avoids problems. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa website (evisa.smf.st) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
At the airport, go to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. They'll stamp you in. The process is straightforward but can be slow if multiple flights arrive at once.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Saudi Arabia passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds eVisa validity. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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
Transit visa is not required for Saudi Arabia holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport (TMS) 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Practical information for SA 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option listed.
The official eVisa fee is not fixed on the website. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Check the exact amount when you apply.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. Do not travel without an approved eVisa.
The eVisa is typically single-entry. If you leave São Tomé and Príncipe, you'll need a new eVisa to re-enter.
If you're transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline as policies vary.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.