São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal (evisa.smf.st) at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 30 days from issue. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Thai passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum 6-month validity is required by law, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this for every foreigner, including eVisa holders. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host can speed up immigration. Officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed copy avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least 500 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay — a bank statement or cash stack works fine. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Don't show up without one.
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 your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online — the exact cost is listed on the site. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. 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
When you land, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The process is usually quick — expect 5-10 minutes per person.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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€60 (approx. $66 USD)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of business or investment in the country.
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.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in the country. Includes business setup or real estate purchase. Fast-track processing.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 2 years
€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Thai passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applying at embassy)Alternative if eVisa not available; check with nearest embassy. | €60 (approx. $66 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; validity up to 6 months. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | €10 (approx. $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
Thai 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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.
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
Risk 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
Open during flight hours
Handles entry/exit issues; limited services.
Practical information for TH 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
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://evisa.smf.st/.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The exact fee is listed on the eVisa portal during application. It's typically around $50-100 USD, but check the site for the current amount.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements with your airline or the São Tomé embassy.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and reapply for a new eVisa. Plan your trip accordingly.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation ready. Immigration may ask to see any of these.
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.