São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. The application is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
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 5 business days before your flight. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs around $20 USD — pay online with a credit card.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. A bus or ferry ticket to another country doesn't count — it must be a flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host speeds up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. ATMs are scarce on the islands, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from landing day
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in São Tomé and Príncipe, not from when you apply. Check your expiry date carefully.
No visa on arrival for Kenyan passport holders
There is no visa-on-arrival option. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and save it 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 10–20 minutes.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (≈ $55 USD)
Standard eVisa; can be applied online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (≈ $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity period.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Kenya passport holders. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity. | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day, max €200 (≈ $220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Kenya 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
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk exists year-round in all areas; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Practical information for KE 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
Most applications are processed within 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is not listed on the portal upfront, but expect around €20–€30 (approx. 2,500–3,800 KES). Pay by credit or debit card.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from outside the country.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Kenya is on the list). Carry your vaccination certificate — immigration may ask to see it.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Always carry a printed copy and a digital backup on your phone.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew it before applying for the eVisa.
No. The eVisa is single-entry only. If you leave São Tomé and Príncipe, you'll need a new eVisa to re-enter.
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.