São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to visit São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for short 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 government portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Madagascar passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. No specific minimum validity beyond your stay is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $100 per day of your trip. Immigration doesn't always check, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot board your flight without an approved eVisa. Apply early and keep a printed copy with your passport.
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.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.smf.st, fill in your details, upload your passport scan and a passport photo. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Wait for approval — usually 1–3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval email, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance certificate. Keep them together in a folder.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, head to immigration. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. They'll stamp you in. Have your return ticket and accommodation ready if asked.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. Usually straightforward — no health checks unless you're arriving from a yellow fever zone.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity period.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Madagascar passport holders applying online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed the eVisa validity. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Madagascar 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 and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk exists nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) is 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 Marginal, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa-related issues. Bring passport and eVisa printout.
Practical information for MG 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 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no rush service option.
The fee varies by processing speed — typically around $50 for standard and up to $100 for faster processing. Check the official site for current prices.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, yes. Madagascar is not currently on the list, but check with your airline. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccines.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged or your photo doesn't meet specs. Fees are non-refundable. Reapply with correct documents.
No. Madagascar passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. No visa on arrival option.
If you're staying airside and not clearing immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country, you need the 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.