São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Singapore passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Singapore passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration checks it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Singapore passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines may ask for it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check it before stamping you in. | 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 where you are staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing at least €500 or equivalent in cash or card is safe. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Singapore passport holders cannot enter São Tomé and Príncipe without an approved eVisa. Apply online at evisa.smf.st at least one week before your trip. The process is straightforward, but don't leave it to the last minute.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $20–$30 USD) by card. You'll get a confirmation email. Approval usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save offline: your eVisa approval email, passport, return ticket, and first night hotel booking. Also download a local eSIM or buy a SIM at the airport.
3
Arrival at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. They may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. The process is straightforward — expect 10–20 minutes. No visa-on-arrival option exists.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple trips.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose of stay.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€300 (~$330 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of studies, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Singapore passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; may be obtained on arrival if eVisa not pre-arranged. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not specified; avoid overstaying. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Singapore 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.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and netting.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for SG 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 = 20.87 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
Usually 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid delays. The fee is around $20–$30 USD, paid online by credit or debit card.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Singapore passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into São Tomé and Príncipe.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need a yellow fever certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Singapore passport holders.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa from abroad. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Print or have offline copies of: your eVisa approval email, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first night hotel booking. A travel insurance certificate is also smart to have.
Yes, you can buy a local SIM at São Tomé International Airport. Alternatively, get an Airalo eSIM before you travel — it activates as soon as you land and saves you the queue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.