en

Sign in Get started

Menu

Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in São Tomé & Príncipe

3 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Work permits 1
Permanent residence 1

Compare in Explore

Visiting São Tomé & Príncipe

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 17, 2026.

36 passports visa-free
213 passports need an eTA or eVisa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Entry authorisation (eVisaST) and visa-free short visits
São Tomé and Príncipe's Migration and Borders Service (SMF) issues online entry authorisations through eVisaST, with a reply within 7 working days. The fee is paid at the border, where visitors may need to show means of subsistence of 100 euros per day. Some nationalities, such as British citizens, can visit for tourism for up to 15 days without a visa according to the UK government. Foreign spouses of São Toméans and their accompanying children can enter without a visa.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

Residence visa for salaried work (visto de residência para actividade profissional subordinada) and temporary residence certificate
Under São Tomé and Príncipe's foreigners law (Law 5/2008), a foreigner coming to work for an employer needs a residence visa. It is granted on a job offer that has a favourable opinion from the ministry responsible for labour. The employer asks for that opinion, which is given within 20 days. It looks at the contract terms and checks that no Santomean or legal resident with a suitable profile is available. The visa allows two entries and a stay of two months, during which the holder applies to the Migration and Borders Service (SMF) for a residence certificate.
Can lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Permanent residence1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started

Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

Other countries