São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwe passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — the process takes a few business days. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Zimbabweans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp the visa on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Zimbabwe passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by São Tomé and Príncipe, but your airline may enforce 6 months — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of São Tomé and Príncipe. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a 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 bank statements or cash (at least $100 per day of stay) ready. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you're not planning to work illegally. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required if coming from Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a yellow fever risk country. If you're flying directly from Zimbabwe or have transited through a risk country, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No visa on arrival — apply before you fly
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Zimbabweans. You must have an approved eVisa before you board. Airlines check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to evisa.smf.st, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $40–$60 USD, depending on processing speed). You'll get a confirmation email within 1–3 business days.
2
Print or download the eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also 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. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes. No separate visa-on-arrival queue.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at embassy or online; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent visitors; requires proof of multiple trips.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Zimbabwe passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe 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 yellow fever risk (Zimbabwe is endemic).
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 undercooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers; risk present in all 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
Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds for extensions.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 21.07 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 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no rush service option.
No. Zimbabwe passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
The fee is around $40–$60 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit or debit card.
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into São Tomé and Príncipe.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Zimbabwe), you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new eVisa from outside the country.
Your passport, printed eVisa approval, return ticket (printed or on phone), and proof of accommodation. A yellow fever certificate if applicable. Keep them in your hand luggage.
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.