São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ivory Coast passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — the process takes a few business days. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe eVisaOfficial portal: São Tomé and Príncipe Digital Visa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at evisa.smf.st before departure. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 30 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they will not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in São Tomé. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you are not arriving without means. | Recommended |
Yellow Fever Vaccination Required
If you are arriving from Ivory Coast (a yellow fever risk country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
eVisa Only — No Visa on Arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official São Tomé eVisa website (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 2–5 business days.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Once your eVisa is approved, print a copy or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance ready. Keep digital copies in a cloud folder as backup.
3
Arrival at São Tomé International Airport
At the airport in São Tomé, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
€50 (approx. $55 USD)
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa for tourism. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if you exceed the authorized stay. | €10 per day (max €200) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Transit visa is not required for Ivory Coast holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe 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)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for CI 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 = 21.45 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
Yes. You must apply for an eVisa online before traveling. There is no visa on arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The cost is around $30–$50 depending on processing speed.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you would need to apply for a different visa type from the immigration office in São Tomé.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ivory Coast is a risk country, so you will need to show proof of vaccination at immigration.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in the capital.
Yes. You can buy a local SIM at the airport or use an eSIM from providers like Airalo. eSIMs activate immediately on landing — no need to queue at a shop.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.