São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Lebanon 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

Lebanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. You apply online before traveling. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa — no visas on arrival or embassy applications for tourists.

Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe eVisaOfficial portal: São Tomé and Príncipe Digital Visa

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for your São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa at the official portal (evisa.smf.st). Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your 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 departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry and put on the next flight out.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask for proof of at least $100 per day of stay. A recent statement showing sufficient balance works fine.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
There is no visa on arrival and no embassy application option for tourists. You must apply online at evisa.smf.st before you travel. If you show up without it, you'll be sent back.
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 this before applying.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee (check the site for current cost — it varies). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with the approved eVisa. Print it or save a PDF on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, the eVisa, and your return ticket. They may ask for your accommodation booking. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$120 USD (approx. $120 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)

For travellers needing multiple visits.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Lebanon passport holders applying online.$120 USD (approx. $120 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, typically processed online.$120 USD (approx. $120 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity.$50 USD per day (max $500 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

Lebanon passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

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.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

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
Avenida Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main immigration office for visa issues and extensions.

Practical information for LB 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is evisa.smf.st.
No. There are no visas on arrival for Lebanese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The fee varies. Check the official eVisa website (evisa.smf.st) for the current amount. It's usually around $50–$100 USD.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, yes. Otherwise, it's not required. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
The eVisa is not extendable. You'd need to leave and re-apply for a new eVisa if you want to stay longer.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in São Tomé and Príncipe can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.

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.