São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — as of 2026, there's no visa on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still check for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $100 per day of stay. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from Tanzania
Tanzania is a yellow fever risk country. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) when you enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
eVisa is the only option — no visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian passport holders. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel. Apply at least a week in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa portal (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 with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrival at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity period.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Tanzania passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed the authorized stay. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 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
Tanzania 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 nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
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-related issues. Bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 21.01 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on the current exchange rate. You pay online by credit card during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from outside the country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if your photo doesn't meet requirements. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There's no refund.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Tanzania). You'll need to show the yellow card at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. Have them ready before you reach the desk.
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.