São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. The application is entirely online before you travel, and you'll receive a PDF approval to show at immigration. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa — there's no visa on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st before departure. The process takes a few business days — do not wait until the last minute. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Senegalese passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | Border officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at São Tomé International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in São Tomé. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having it ready avoids delays. | 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 it is better to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Senegalese passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before you travel. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from the day you apply. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30-50 depending on processing speed) with a credit card. You'll get a confirmation email immediately.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Check your email (including spam folder) for the PDF approval. If you don't hear back in 5 days, contact the eVisa support email listed on the website.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, the eVisa PDF (printed or on your phone), and your return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
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€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; extensions possible.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained on arrival if eligible. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible but limited; apply before current visa expires. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 |
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
Senegal 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 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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues and emergency permits.
Practical information for SN 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
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for Senegalese passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
The eVisa fee is typically around $30-50, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online by credit card during the application.
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There is no express option listed on the official site.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport details are incorrect. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Senegal is not on the list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need proof of vaccination). Otherwise, no vaccine is required for entry.
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.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the eVisa PDF (printed or on phone), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. That's it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.