São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at São Tomé and Príncipe. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents. This has been the policy since 2025.
Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe eVisaOfficial portal: São Tomé and Príncipe Digital Visa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at São Tomé International Airport. Have a printed hotel booking confirmation and your return ticket ready — immigration officers ask for both before issuing the visa. The visa costs €20 or $25 USD, payable in cash (exact change preferred).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | 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 onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least €100 or $120 USD in cash per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your expenses. ATMs are scarce outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There are no ATMs at the airport, so bring enough cash for the visa and a few days of expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around €20–€50 (exact amount varies). Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity period (usually 15–30 days). If you need longer, ask at the immigration office in São Tomé city before your visa expires.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · China 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy abroad; required if you cannot get VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 15 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at the airport. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at the airport. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
China passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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)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 areas. 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 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Practical information for CN 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
The fee is typically €20–€50, depending on your nationality and the length of stay. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Usually 15–30 days. The exact validity is written on the visa stamp. If you need more time, visit the immigration office in São Tomé city before your visa expires to request an extension.
Yes, extensions are possible. Go to the immigration office in São Tomé city with your passport and a reason for the extension. There's a fee, and processing takes a few days.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration requires proof that you're leaving the country. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at São Tomé International Airport (the main entry point). It's also available at the port if arriving by sea, but the airport is the most common.
Generally yes — it's one of the safest countries in Africa. Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in markets, but violent crime is rare. Take normal precautions.
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.