São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Hong Kong 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
Hong Kong passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to São Tomé and Príncipe. The application is done entirely online. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or short business visits.
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 the official portal at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and costs around $120 USD. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Hong Kong 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 at São Tomé International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | 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 and Príncipe. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you are not traveling without means. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Hong Kong passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal at https://evisa.smf.st/. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; no extension possible.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a local company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Hong Kong passport holders applying online. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Same as eVisa; no separate single-entry tourist visa available. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Multiple entry visas are not offered for tourist purposes. | Not available |
| Overstay FineOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying your visa. | €50 per day, max €500 |
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
Hong Kong 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
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
Malaria is present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked food to prevent illness.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for HK 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
Usually 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The fee varies but is typically around $50–$100 USD. You pay online with a credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Hong Kong is not a yellow fever area, but if you've recently traveled to an affected country, bring proof.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport validity is too short or your photo doesn't meet specs. The fee is non-refundable. Double-check everything before submitting.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Hong Kong passport holders. There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. That's it. Keep them together in a folder.
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.