São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Taiwan passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, you must apply before you travel.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Taiwan passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your travel dates.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of São Tomé and Príncipe ready at the counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays if they ask.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a recent bank statement or a credit card ready. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $500 USD for a short trip covers what officers expect.Recommended
eVisa required — no exceptions
You cannot board your flight without an approved eVisa. Apply online at evisa.smf.st at least one week before departure. Print the approval and keep a digital copy.
Passport validity counts from landing day
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. Double-check before you apply.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st, fill out the form, upload your passport scan and a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — print it and save a copy on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: printed eVisa, passport with 6+ months validity, return flight confirmation, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance details. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport. You're free to enter. The max stay is determined by your eVisa approval — check the exact dates on your eVisa letter.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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€120 (approx. $130 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $216 USD)

Allows multiple visits within validity.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Taiwan passport holders applying online.€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity.€50 (approx. $54 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $540 USD)

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

Taiwan 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.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.

Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Avoid tap water and undercooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.

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 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Practical information for TW 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
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll get the approved eVisa by email.
The official fee is not listed on the government site, but expect around $50–$100 USD. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave by the date on your approval. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Not required for entry from Taiwan, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Check with your airline.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no appeal process.
No. Taiwanese passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. No visa on arrival is available.
Yes, all international flights arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). There are no other entry points for commercial flights.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.