Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified E-Visa System
Sao Tome and Principe has streamlined its e-visa process for most travelers, allowing online applications (€20-€80 depending on duration) that are processed in 3-5 days. This replaces some on-arrival options for better efficiency; apply via the official portal at least a week before travel to ensure smooth entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Sao Tome and Principe, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some airlines may enforce stricter rules during check-in.
Children and minors require their own passports, even when traveling with parents.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of countries like the US, EU nations, UK, Canada, and several African Union members can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 15 days, extendable to 90 days.
This applies primarily at São Tomé International Airport; confirm your nationality's status via the STP immigration website to avoid surprises.
Visa-free entry is limited to tourism purposes only.
Visa Applications
For e-visas or longer stays, apply online through the official STP e-visa portal, providing a passport scan, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and proof of funds (around €50/day).
Fees range from €20 for single-entry tourist visas to €80 for multiple entries; processing typically takes 3-7 days, but apply early during peak seasons.
Embassy applications are available in major cities like Lisbon or Luanda for those preferring in-person submission.
Border Crossings
The main entry point is São Tomé International Airport (TMS), where visas on arrival are processed efficiently upon arrival with minimal queues.
Prince Island (Príncipe) has a smaller airstrip for domestic flights; international arrivals must clear immigration in São Tomé first.
Yacht or ferry arrivals from nearby islands require advance notification to port authorities for customs clearance.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (due to limited facilities), trip delays, and activities like diving or hiking in volcanic terrains.
Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases; providers like World Nomads offer plans starting at €4/day tailored for remote destinations.
Carry printed policy details, as digital copies may not suffice in areas with poor connectivity.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in São Tomé city, requiring a valid reason like extended tourism or research, plus proof of onward travel.
Fees are approximately €30-50, and processing takes 2-5 days; overstay fines are €10/day, so plan ahead.
Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on immigration discretion.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Sao Tome and Principe uses the Dobra (STN). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to São Tomé by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially from European hubs like Lisbon.
Consider multi-stop routes via Africa for further discounts.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside barracas for fresh fish and plantains under $10, avoiding resort restaurants to save up to 60% on meals.
Local markets in São Tomé offer affordable tropical fruits, cocoa, and coffee for self-catering picnics on the beach.
Opt for family-run spots for authentic flavors and better value.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared minibuses (chapas) for inter-island travel at $5-15 per leg, far cheaper than private taxis.
No formal passes exist, but negotiating group rides can cut costs; domestic flights to Príncipe are $50-80 one-way if booked early.
Walk or cycle in towns to minimize transport expenses entirely.
Free Attractions
Explore volcanic craters, pristine beaches like Praia Lagarto, and cocoa plantations on foot or by hitchhiking, all at no cost for authentic eco-adventures.
National parks like Obo have free entry for hiking trails amid lush rainforests.
Many colonial forts and viewpoints offer stunning panoramas without fees.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and resorts, but cash (USD or EUR) is king for markets, small eateries, and rural areas.
ATMs are limited to São Tomé city; withdraw larger amounts to avoid multiple fees, and exchange at banks for better rates.
Carry small bills to facilitate transactions in remote spots.
Eco-Tour Discounts
Book multi-day eco-tours or plantation visits through local operators for bundled deals at $30-50/day, including meals and transport.
Group bookings often qualify for 20% off; avoid international agencies for savings.
Free community-led walks in Príncipe provide cultural insights without extra cost.
Smart Packing for Sao Tome and Principe
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the humid tropical climate, including quick-dry shirts and long pants for mosquito protection during evening hikes.
Include swimwear for beaches and a light rain jacket for sudden showers; modest attire is appreciated when visiting local communities or churches.
Layer with a fleece for cooler evenings on higher elevations like Pico de São Tomé.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C and J plugs (220V), a solar-powered power bank due to occasional outages, and waterproof cases for phones during boat trips.
Download offline maps like Maps.me for remote areas with spotty signal, and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot if needed for connectivity.
Pack a GoPro or underwater camera for snorkeling in coral reefs.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with antimalarials, bandages for coral cuts, and DEET-based insect repellent for dengue-prone zones.
Include yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), probiotics for dietary changes, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Pack electrolyte packets for hydration during humid treks.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for jungle explorations, a reusable water bottle (purification tablets essential as tap water isn't safe), and a dry bag for beach days.
Bring multiple copies of passport and visa, a money belt for cash security, and binoculars for birdwatching in biodiversity hotspots.
A headlamp is vital for power outages or night walks on Príncipe.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good grip for volcanic trails and muddy paths in rainforests, paired with lightweight sandals for beach lounging and town strolls.
Water shoes are crucial for rocky shores and snorkeling; pack wool socks for blister prevention on long hikes to lagoons.
Avoid new shoes to prevent discomfort in remote areas with limited shops.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toiletries to minimize environmental impact in fragile ecosystems; add aloe vera for sunburn relief.
Pack a compact umbrella or poncho for tropical downpours, and wet wipes for hygiene in off-grid spots without facilities.
Mosquito net or permethrin-treated clothing enhances protection in eco-lodges.
When to Visit Sao Tome and Principe
Dry Season (June-September)
The best time for beach hopping and diving with sunny skies, low humidity, and temperatures of 25-30°C, ideal for exploring Príncipe's untouched shores.
Fewer rains mean better road conditions for inland drives to cocoa farms; whale watching peaks in these months.
Book accommodations early as eco-tourists flock for clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Shoulder Season (October-May)
Milder rains make this period great for lush rainforest hikes and birdwatching, with temps around 27-32°C and blooming flora in Obo National Park.
Waterfalls are fuller, enhancing scenic beauty; fewer crowds allow intimate experiences at remote plantations.
Expect intermittent showers, but they often pass quickly, adding to the tropical paradise vibe.
Wet Season Peak (December-February)
Heavy rains turn the islands emerald green, perfect for indoor cultural activities like cocoa tastings and festival attendance, with warm 28-31°C days.
Lower prices on lodges make it budget-friendly; sea turtle nesting begins, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Prepare for muddy trails but enjoy fewer tourists and vibrant local celebrations.
Cooler Dry Transition (March-May)
Transitioning weather with lighter rains suits hiking Pico's peaks and snorkeling, temperatures 26-30°C with refreshing breezes from the Atlantic.
Fruit harvests peak, providing fresh mangoes and papayas; ideal for sustainable tours without peak-season crowds.
Volcanic landscapes are accessible, and sea conditions calm for inter-island ferries.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). USD/EUR widely accepted in tourist areas; ATMs scarce outside capital.
- Language: Portuguese is official; São Tomean Creole widely spoken. English limited but growing in resorts.
- Time Zone: Gulf of Guinea Time (GGT), UTC+0 year-round
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C (Europlug) and J (Swiss) sockets; power surges common, use surge protectors
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, ambulance, or fire; local services may be slow in remote areas
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants, $1-2 for guides or drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Carry a filter for eco-friendly hydration
- Pharmacies: Available in São Tomé city; stock up on essentials abroad due to limited supplies