Discover everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for São Tomé and Príncipe. You’ll learn which visa fits your nationality, how to apply online or at an embassy, what documents you must prepare, how long you can stay (and extend), plus insider tips to avoid delays.

Understanding Visa Types and Who Qualifies

São Tomé and Príncipe offers several entry options depending on your nationality and travel plans:

• Visa-exempt nationals: Citizens of Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) and select neighbouring African states can enter visa-free for up to 15 days, as outlined in the official visa policy of São Tomé and Príncipe.
• Visa on arrival: Most other foreign nationals may secure a single-entry visa on arrival valid for 15 days.
• e-Visa: Introduced in 2012, the iVisa guide to São Tomé and Príncipe e-Visa details eligibility, application steps, and allows eligible travellers to apply online for stays up to 15 days per visit.
• Conventional (embassy/consulate) visa: Longer-stay or special-purpose visas (tourist, business) issued by São Toméan missions abroad.

e-Visa vs. Conventional Visa

• e-Visa
  • Apply online at least 7 days before departure.
  • Valid for multiple entries over 12 months, allowing 15 days per entry.
  • Ideal for a quick beach getaway or short island-hopping.

• Conventional visa
  • Submitted at an embassy or consulate.
  • Can grant up to 6 months of stay on a multiple-entry tourist visa.
  • Requires more paperwork (in-person interview, additional fees).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps whether you choose the e-Visa route or a consular application:

1. Check eligibility
   Confirm whether you need to apply online, at a mission, or if you qualify for visa-free entry.
2. Gather documents
3. Completed application form
4. Passport scan (see requirements below)
5. Recent passport-style photo
6. Proof of accommodation or return ticket
7. Payment for visa fee
8. Submit application
9. e-Visa: via the official portal or a trusted provider such as iVisa.
10. Conventional visa: at a São Toméan embassy/consulate.
11. Receive and print
    Print your e-Visa approval or carry your stamped passport.

Required Documents and Passport Rules

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry
• Minimum of two blank, unstamped pages
• One digital photo (35 × 45 mm) on a white background
• Completed online or paper application form

Fees, Payment Methods & Processing Times

• e-Visa fees range from USD 60 to USD 130 depending on processing speed.
• Normal processing takes about 7 business days.
• Rush options (4-day, 2-day) incur extra charges.
• Payment accepted by credit/debit card, company check or money order (for consular visas), according to the entry requirements outlined by VisaHQ.

Duration of Stay, Extensions & Special Categories

How Long You Can Stay—and Extend

• e-Visa: up to 15 days per entry within a 12-month validity.
• Tourist visa (conventional): up to 6 months, multiple entry.
• Extension: Tourist visas may be extended once for an additional 60 days by applying in person at the Immigration Department in São Tomé.

Other Visa Categories

• Transit visa: for passengers changing flights; valid 24 hours, single-entry.
• Diplomatic/official visas: holders of diplomatic or service passports from CPLP nations enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Cultural/temporary visas: for events or assignments; can grant stays up to 180 days with extension options upon request at local immigration offices.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Application

• Start your e-Visa or embassy application at least 3 weeks before travel.
• Double-check that your passport has the required validity and blank pages.
• Keep digital and printed copies of all submissions and fees paid.
• Monitor your application status online or via your service provider.
• For extensions, visit the main Immigration office in São Tomé well before your authorized stay lapses.

Island-Bound in Style

With the right visa in hand, you’re set to explore São Tomé and Príncipe’s volcanic landscapes, rainforests and pristine beaches. Whether you opt for the instant e-Visa, on-arrival stamp or a longer-stay consular visa, this guide helps you avoid last-minute hurdles so you can focus on sun, sea and culture. Bon voyage!