São Toméan visa resources
Processing Times
How long São Tomé and Príncipe entry authorisations and residence permits take to process.
Important
The SMF states that applicants receive a response to an online entry-authorisation request within 7 working days, and it advises submitting the application at least 7 working days before the intended travel date. Residence-permit applications through e-Cidadão are also stated to receive a response within 7 working days.
Processing can be affected by weekends, national holidays and the completeness of the application, so applicants should apply well ahead of travel and keep the process reference number to check the status online.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
