Skip to content

Visitor & short-stay visas

São Toméan Transit Visa

A short-stay authorisation for travellers passing through the country while en route to another destination, covering the brief period spent between connecting journeys.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Book a consultation

Under review — check current rules

Transit stay duration (e.g. 4 days extendable to 5) is from third-party sources, not confirmed on the official SMF portal.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Sao Tome and Principe government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visto de Trânsito / transit entry authorisation
Route type
Transit
Stay duration
Short transit period
A widely cited figure is 4 days (extendable up to 5) — not confirmed on the official SMF portal
Where to apply
eVisaST platform (smf.st/evisa)
Run by the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), the national migration and border service.
Processing time
Apply at least 7 working days ahead
The SMF asks for online requests a minimum of 7 working days before travel.
Cost
Fee paid at the border
The eVisaST platform states payment is made on arrival at the border, not online.
Validity
Around 4 days (1-2 entries)
Figure reported by a commercial source - flagged for verification with SMF.
Extension
Up to about 5 days
Figure reported by a commercial source - flagged for verification with SMF.

Who it is for

Travellers stopping in São Tomé and Príncipe only to continue to a third country.

Requirements

  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond the transit period
  • Onward ticket to the final destination
  • Documentation showing the right to enter the destination country

How to apply

  • Apply through the SMF where a transit authorisation is required for your nationality
  • Provide the onward travel and destination-entry documents requested

Documents you may need

  • Digitized passport (PDF), valid 3+ months beyond your stay.
  • Outbound and return/onward flight tickets.
  • Proof of permission to enter your onward destination country.
  • Reservation details (booking number, requester and recipient).
  • For minors: digitized birth certificate and legal-guardian declaration.

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. The SMF requires travellers in transit to show proof that they are allowed to enter their onward destination country, in addition to onward and return tickets.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

Related São Toméan visas

Book a consultation