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Visitor & short-stay visas

São Toméan Visa-Free and CPLP Short-Stay Entry

Visa-free short-stay entry for nationals of exempt countries and, on a preferential basis, for citizens of CPLP member states, allowing arrival without a pre-issued visa.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The 15-day visa-free period, the up-to-60-day extension, and the specific exempt-country and CPLP rules come from third-party sources and are not confirmed on the official SMF portal reviewed.

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
Route type
Visa exemption / visa-free entry
Stay duration
Commonly cited as up to 15 days
Extensions reported up to 60 days — not confirmed on the official SMF portal
Who qualifies
Nationals of listed exempt countries; preferential treatment for CPLP citizens
Exact list not published on the SMF portal reviewed
Maximum stay
Reported as 15 days
Widely cited for tourism/business visa-free entry; figure flagged for verification with SMF.
Extension
Reported extendable up to 60 days
Extension applied for through the SMF once in the country; figure flagged for verification.
Cost
No visa fee for exempt nationals
Eligible nationals enter without applying for or paying for a visa in advance.
Where to apply
No advance visa - entry assessed at the border
Exempt travellers are admitted at the border; a residence or longer stay still needs the SMF.

Who it is for

Short-stay visitors holding a passport from an exempt country, and CPLP citizens travelling for short visits.

What you can do

  • Enter for tourism or short visits without a pre-issued visa for the exempt period
  • Passport must still meet validity and onward-ticket requirements on arrival

How to apply

  • No advance visa is required for exempt nationalities, but confirm your status with the SMF first
  • Non-exempt travellers should apply for the online entry authorisation (e-Visa) instead

Requirements

  • You must hold a nationality on the SMF's visa-exemption list - this includes US and Canadian nationals and EU nationals, plus a selected list of other countries.
  • A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
  • Confirmed onward or return travel (return tickets).
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or a host contact in São Tomé and Príncipe).
  • Means of subsistence, which the SMF cites at around 100 euros per day.
  • Entry is only for tourism or business within the visa-free period; other purposes need a visa.

How it works at the border

Eligible nationals do not apply for a visa in advance - you are assessed and admitted at the border on arrival, provided you meet the conditions.

Always check the current visa-free country list on the SMF site before travelling, as exemptions and stay lengths can change.

To stay longer than the visa-free period, apply to the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF) for an extension or the appropriate visa while you are in the country.

Documents you may need

  • Passport valid 3+ months beyond your stay.
  • Return or onward flight tickets.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host contact).
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.

Frequently asked questions

  • São Tomé and Príncipe is a founding CPLP member and the CPLP Mobility Agreement eases travel between members, but the exact entry conditions for each nationality are set by the SMF - check the official visa-free list rather than assuming automatic free entry.

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.

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