São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy applies to tourism and short business trips in 2026. 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 for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines at Arlanda or Kastrup will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the immigration desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or enough cash (around €50 per day) to show you can cover your stay. Not always checked, but better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
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. Check your passport now.
No visa, but don't skip the return ticket
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration often asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
You'll land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a small airport, easy to navigate.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
CostApproximately $100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostApproximately $200 USD (estimated)
For travellers planning multiple visits within validity period.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a São Tomé and Príncipe employer. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies by investment amount (estimated $500+ USD)
For individuals investing in local businesses or real estate. Minimum investment thresholds apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionThe 15-day visa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying as extension is not possible. | Approximately $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
Swedish 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)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water.
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 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa-related inquiries and overstay fines.
Practical information for SE 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 = 20.97 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave São Tomé and Príncipe within 15 days. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
You'll need to apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. There's no option to extend at immigration. Plan ahead.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Sweden is not a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to an endemic area, bring your certificate.
No, there's no arrival declaration required. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in São Tomé city but can be unreliable — bring some cash.
No, you need a return or onward ticket to prove you'll leave within 15 days. Airlines may also refuse boarding without one.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.