São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Maltese passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid in 2026 and covers tourism and short business visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly €50–100 per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | 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 you're even one day short, you'll be turned away. No exceptions.
15-day stay is not extendable
The visa-free period is fixed at 15 days. You cannot extend it. If you need more time, you must apply for a visa before you travel or leave and re-enter the country.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Save screenshots of everything on your phone in case you have no signal at the airport.
2
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all nationalities. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and give you a 15-day stay. The process takes 5-10 minutes if you're prepared.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick bag scan). You're free to leave the airport.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in Dobras)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor letter and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer in São Tomé and Príncipe. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in local business or real estate. Requires investment proof and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 15 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstay. | Unknown |
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
Malta passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
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 netting.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; practice good hygiene.
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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and any supporting documents.
Practical information for MT 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 15-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a visa before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to catch a connecting flight the next day), you'll need to meet the visa-free requirements (passport validity, return ticket, etc.).
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions.
It's not officially required for Maltese passport holders, but it's wise to carry a credit card or some cash (Euros are widely accepted) in case immigration asks. ATMs are limited outside the capital.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket booked before you arrive. Immigration will check this. A one-way ticket is a red flag and you'll likely be refused entry.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get better rates using the local currency. Bring Euros and exchange at the airport or a bank. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but not everywhere.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for Maltese 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 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.