Sao Tome and Principe (officially the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe) is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa. The country is one of Africa’s smallest nations. Entry to Sao Tome and Principe is through Sao Tome International Airport, the sole international entry point. The country offers visa-free access to select nationalities, e-Visa for most others, and a substitute visa scheme for holders of US or Schengen visas.

2. Visa-Free Access — 15 Days

Citizens of approximately 30 countries — primarily EU member states and select bilateral partners — may enter Sao Tome and Principe visa-free for stays of up to 15 days.

Countries with 15-Day Visa-Free Access (selected) • All European Union member states • United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland • United States, Canada • Brazil, Argentina • Portugal (special bilateral ties — citizens treated with preferential access) • Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique (Portuguese-speaking African nations) • Nigeria (as a bilateral partner) • Select other countries under bilateral agreements

3. Visa on Arrival — China, Hong Kong, Macau

Holders of ordinary passports from China (mainland), Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR are entitled to obtain a 15-day visa on arrival at Sao Tome International Airport. This arrangement reflects bilateral relations between Sao Tome and Principe and China.

Visa on Arrival — China/HK/Macau • Available to: Chinese (mainland), Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR ordinary passport holders • Duration: 15 days • Available at: Sao Tome International Airport only • Fee: standard visa fee applicable • Requirements: valid passport, return ticket, proof of funds, accommodation

4. E-Visa

All nationalities not eligible for visa-free access or the China/HK/Macau visa on arrival scheme are required to obtain an e-Visa before travel. The e-Visa is applied for online and typically takes 7 working days to process.

E-Visa Application Requirements • Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity • Digital passport photo • Completed online application form • Proof of accommodation • Return or onward ticket • Proof of financial means • Payment of e-Visa fee • Processing time: 7 working days • Apply via the official immigration portal before travel

5. Substitute Visa Scheme

Sao Tome and Principe operates a substitute visa scheme for holders of valid visas or residence permits from the United States or the Schengen Area. These travellers may enter Sao Tome and Principe for up to 15 days without obtaining a separate Sao Tomean visa.

Substitute Visa Conditions • Accepted documents: valid US visa/Green Card, valid Schengen visa/residence permit • Duration of stay: up to 15 days • Must be valid at the time of entry and permit re-entry • Presented alongside passport at border

6. Transit Requirements

Travellers transiting through Sao Tome and Principe must hold valid documentation for their destination country. Airside transit (remaining in the international transit zone) may be permitted for certain nationalities without a transit visa, but this should be confirmed with the airline and Sao Tomean immigration authorities before travel.

7. General Entry Requirements

Requirements for All Visitors • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity • Applicable visa, e-Visa, or eligibility for visa-free/substitute entry • Return or onward ticket • Proof of accommodation • Proof of sufficient funds • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (recommended — Sao Tome is in an endemic region)

8. Sole Entry Point

All international arrivals must enter through Sao Tome International Airport (TMS), which is the country’s only international entry point. There are no direct land borders with other countries, as Sao Tome and Principe is entirely an island nation.