São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free policy has been in effect since 2024 and covers tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Spanish passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines at Madrid-Barajas may ask for 6 months validity — if yours is close to expiring, carry proof of your return flight to show them. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have your return or next-destination flight booking ready before you reach the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your expenses — a quick glance at your phone banking app usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Visa-free only for 15 days
The 15-day visa-free stay is strict. Overstaying even by a day can cause problems when leaving. If you need more time, apply for a visa before you go.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the only international airport, about 5 km from the capital. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. €46)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. Requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €92)
Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For work, study, or family reunion. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a local employer. Requires contract, employer sponsorship, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €92)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investidor)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Spain passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Similar prevention as dengue.
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 Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport Immigration)
São Tomé International Airport
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Handles entry/exit procedures. For urgent issues, visit the main SME office.
Practical information for ES 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 in advance at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You need to apply for a visa before you travel. Contact the nearest São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate. There's no e-visa system currently available for longer stays.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Spain is not a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to an affected area, bring your certificate.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using the local currency. ATMs are available in the capital.
No, there's no arrival declaration or online registration required for Spanish passport holders. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
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.