São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival. The process usually takes a few business days as of 2026.
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 $120 USD and is valid for a single entry up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Vietnamese 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. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a booking confirmation speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you can pay for accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. Without it, you will be denied boarding.
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 when you apply for the eVisa. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.smf.st/. Fill in personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $20–$50 depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — usually 2–5 business days. You'll receive a PDF via email. Print it and save a copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), return ticket, and accommodation booking. Put them in a folder you can grab quickly at the airport.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and wave you through. Keep your return ticket handy — they may ask to see it. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes if there's no queue.
4
Exit and collect luggage
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick green channel). You're free to leave the airport.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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$120 USD (approx. 2,800,000 VND)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 4,700,000 VND)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$500 USD (approx. 11,700,000 VND)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 7,000,000 VND)
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 23,400,000 VND)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in local business. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$150 USD (approx. 3,500,000 VND)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | $120 USD (approx. 2,800,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but applied at embassy. | $120 USD (approx. 2,800,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $200 USD (approx. 4,700,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed; no maximum cap known. | $50 USD (approx. 1,170,000 VND) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Vietnam 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.
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
Avenida Marginal, 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)
São Tomé International Airport
Open 24/7
Handles entry/exit issues. For urgent visa matters upon arrival.
Practical information for VN 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
Usually 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no rush service, so don't leave it to the last minute.
The fee is around $20–$50 depending on processing speed. You pay online when you submit the application. Check the official portal for the current price.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. Fees are non-refundable. Double-check everything before submitting. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected info.
Not required for entry from Vietnam, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Check the latest health requirements before you travel.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. The airline may also fine you for not having proper documents. Don't risk it — apply online before you go.
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.