São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for United States 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
U.S. passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for stays up to 15 days. This policy started in 2023 and covers tourism and short business trips. Bring your passport and a return ticket — no pre-approval needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa-free only for 15 days
This is a strict 15-day limit. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from future entry. Set a reminder to leave on time.
No extension possible
Unlike some countries, you cannot extend your stay once you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. If you think you might need more time, apply for a visa before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer will stamp you in for up to 15 days. The process takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online; requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for travellers planning regional trips.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$20 USD/day) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free entry is not extendable. | Not available |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
US passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Practical information for US 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 at a São Tomé and Príncipe embassy before traveling.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the visa-free requirements (valid passport, onward ticket).
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — standard renewal takes 4–6 weeks.
No. U.S. passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 15 days. There is no visa on arrival for longer stays.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. For direct travel from the U.S., it's not required, but check your itinerary for any layovers in affected countries.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa beforehand.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using the local currency. ATMs are available in the capital, but carry cash for smaller islands.
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.