São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ugandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. The process is entirely online and straightforward — you apply before you travel, and approval usually comes within a few days. As of 2026, there are no visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for Ugandans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa costs around $120 USD and is valid for a single entry up to 30 days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Ugandan passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines at Entebbe may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. If you're flying out to a neighboring country, a bus or ferry ticket also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in São Tomé. Immigration may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if you're staying more than a week, they might. Cash in euros or dollars is widely accepted on the islands. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) on arrival. Without it, you risk being denied entry or quarantined at your own expense.
eVisa is not extendable
The eVisa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than the allowed period, you must leave the country and apply for a new eVisa from abroad.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official São Tomé eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st) and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print at least one copy — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival. Save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in — the process is usually quick, but have everything ready to avoid delays.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible once.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible per entry.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work/study).
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Uganda passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; may be obtained on arrival if eVisa not pre-arranged. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not guaranteed; apply before current visa expires. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Uganda 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 for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission, including Uganda.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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
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 (SME)
Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Office)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Handles entry/exit issues and overstay fines. Visit before departure if overstaying.
Practical information for UG 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 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option listed on the official portal.
The official eVisa portal does not publicly list a fixed fee. Expect to pay around €30–€60 (approximately 120,000–240,000 UGX) based on reports from other travellers. The exact amount will be shown during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-apply for a new eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if your photo doesn't meet requirements. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can re-apply with corrected documents — no refund is given for the first application.
Yes. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country, so you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ugandan passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Have them ready before you reach the counter — it speeds things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.