São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making it a straightforward destination for short trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may check for at least 3 months validity. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. While not always checked, having it ready avoids delays at the immigration desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers may ask to see you have enough cash or a credit card to cover your expenses. A bank statement or a few hundred euros in cash works fine. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days from the day you enter. There's no extension option, so plan your departure accordingly. Overstaying can lead to fines or future entry bans.
No visa fee at the airport
Swiss passport holders pay nothing for entry. Just show your passport and you're stamped in. No hidden costs.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
You'll land at São Tomé International Airport (TMS). After deplaning, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's usually one queue for all passengers.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation proof). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee is charged.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick green channel). You're free to enter the country.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For travellers needing multiple visits within validity period.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from a local company.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a local employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized educational institution in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in local business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionThe 15-day visa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying as extension is not possible. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through São Tomé International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
São Tomé
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa-related inquiries. Extensions not available for visa-free stays.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalSão Tomé
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 21.03 STN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before traveling. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Swiss passport holders. However, it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (Euros or Dobras) for your stay.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required. You simply show your passport at the immigration desk upon arrival.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will want to see proof that you're leaving within the 15-day period. A one-way ticket may result in denied entry.
The local currency is the Dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops. ATMs are limited in São Tomé city, so bring some Euros in cash for smaller purchases or emergencies.
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry. However, yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you're arriving from an endemic country. Check with your doctor for routine vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.