São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel — it's straightforward and avoids any hassle at the airport. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method.
Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe eVisaOfficial portal: São Tomé and Príncipe Digital Visa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply at the official eVisa portal at least a few days before your flight. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo — approval usually takes 1–3 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter with the address and contact details can speed up the immigration process. If you are staying with friends, ask them to write a simple letter of invitation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must get the eVisa approved before you fly. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes a few business days. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print a copy or save the PDF on your phone.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
When you land, head to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp you in — the whole process is usually quick.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form needed.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (≈ $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (≈ $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (≈ $220 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€200 (≈ $220 USD)
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudante)
1 year, renewable
€150 (≈ $165 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; available on arrival if eVisa not obtained. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (≈ $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (≈ $550 USD). | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
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/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; chloroquine resistance reported.
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues and transit permits.
Practical information for ET 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
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll get the approval by email.
The official fee varies — check the eVisa portal at evisa.smf.st for the current amount. Pay with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
São Tomé and Príncipe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Ethiopia is not on the risk list, but if you've traveled to a risk country recently, bring your certificate.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival for Ethiopian passport holders.
Yes, a PDF on your phone is fine. But having a printed backup never hurts — keep it with your passport.
No transit visa is needed if you stay airside and don't clear immigration. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the standard eVisa.
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.