São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism and short business trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or cash ready to show you have enough for your trip. There's no fixed amount, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks it on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
15-day limit is non-negotiable
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days. There is no extension option. If you overstay, you may face a fine and problems with future travel. Plan your trip carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation details ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day entry. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
2
Prepare for potential questions
Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly and briefly. If you don't speak Portuguese, English is generally understood at the airport.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no arrival forms to fill out for Italian passport holders. Once through, you're free to enter the country.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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~$100 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For investors meeting minimum investment threshold (e.g., $50,000 USD). Includes family members. Path to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if needed. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; maximum cap unknown but can be substantial. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Italian 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 yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialYellow Fever (if not required)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
São Tomé
Polícia de Fronteira (Airport)
São Tomé International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit issues; for urgent matters only.
Practical information for IT 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 difficulties when leaving.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Italy is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to an endemic area, you'll need the certificate. Check the latest requirements before you go.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
No, you must have a return or onward ticket. Immigration will check this. A one-way ticket may result in denied boarding or entry.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll need dobras for smaller shops and taxis. ATMs are available in the capital, but not everywhere.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Italian passport holders. Just show up with your documents and you're good.
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.