São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. You must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for tourism — there is no visa on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and accommodation. Processing takes 3–5 business days — apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your South African passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you won't be stranded. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot board your flight to São Tomé without an approved eVisa. Airlines check this at check-in. Apply well in advance and carry a printed copy.
Cash is king on the islands
ATMs are scarce outside the capital. Bring enough euros or dollars to exchange, or withdraw cash in São Tomé city before heading to Príncipe or rural areas.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. 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 (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in. The queue is usually short — expect 5–15 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at embassy or online; standard option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent visitors; must show travel history.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD)
For those with a job offer from a local employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (max €200) |
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
South African passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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
MalariaModerate risk
Present in all areas; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists throughout the country; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for all travellers.
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.
Practical information for ZA 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
The eVisa fee is around $30–$50 USD depending on your nationality and processing time. Exact amounts are shown on the application portal before you pay. Payment is by credit or debit card.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip. There is no expedited option.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. The maximum stay is set by the eVisa approval — typically 30 days.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Africa is not a yellow fever country, but if you've recently traveled elsewhere, check the requirements.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity, your photo doesn't meet specs, or you have a criminal record. You'll be notified by email. You can reapply with corrected info, but the fee is not refunded.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for South African passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
The local currency is the dobra (STN). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using dobra. ATMs are limited in São Tomé city and almost nonexistent elsewhere — bring cash.
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.