São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but you'll need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official eVisa portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at São Tomé International Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Zambian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. São Tomé and Príncipe does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the entire duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Airlines also check this before boarding. | 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're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Zambian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Apply at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep documents handy
Immigration at São Tomé International Airport may ask for your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Have them on your phone or printed — saves time and hassle.
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 and passport details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee (amount varies, typically around $50–$100 USD) and submit. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa PDF. Print a copy and save it 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. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The queue is usually short — expect 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious. You're free to go.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For investors meeting minimum investment threshold (approx. $50,000). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not specified; avoid overstay. | €10 per day (approx. $11 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
Zambia 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 yellow fever risk.
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/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street 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 Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 21.02 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 trip to be safe. Processing can be slower during holidays.
The fee is around $50–$100 USD, depending on the type and duration. Payment is made online via credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Zambia is not a high-risk country, but check the latest requirements before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected info. Contact the embassy in Luanda or the eVisa support for help.
No, as of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in São Tomé and Príncipe can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.