A hidden gem in Central Africa, the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe is a unique country. The things that best describe Sao Tome and Principe island are breathtaking beaches, rich wildlife, and beautiful nature.
Tourists worldwide who want to experience this unofficial paradise can read the article below and get more information regarding the Sao Tome and Principe visa policy, requirements, duration, and visa types.
Who Needs a Visa for Sao Tome and Principe?
Citizens of the following countries can enter and stay in Sao Tome and Principe for 15 days without a visa:
- All Eu countries
- Andorra
- Angola
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cabo Verde
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iceland
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Norway
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Timor-Leste
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
Diplomatic or service passport holders of China and Serbia do not need a visa to enter Sao Tome and Principe.
Visa on Arrival
A visa on arrival is issued to normal passport holders of China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The visa on arrival is valid for 15 days from the issuance date.
How to Apply for a Sao Tome and Principe Visa?
Everyone who needs a visa before traveling to Sao Tome and Principe can apply for a visa through the e-Visa System. The processing time for Sao Tome and Principe is seven working days. For an easier application process, applicants can follow these instructions:
- Enter the official page of the Sao Tome and Principe e-Visa System.
- Select the visa type you want to apply for.
- Fill in the visa application form.
- Finish the applicable visa fee payment.
- Submit the application form and wait until you receive a response.
Important: The application visa fee payment will be made at the border. The fee payment amount depends on the type of visa the applicant is applying for.
Sao Tome and Principe Visa Requirements
To apply for a Sao Tome and Principe visa, applicants must have ready the following documents:
- A valid passport in pdf file format.
- Travel itinerary.
- Accommodation proof of your stay in Sao Tome and document.
- Reservation detail of your flight ticket.
- A bank statement document. This document must prove that the applicant has proof of subsistence of €100 per day for the duration of his stay in Sao Tome and Principe.
- A digitized birth certificate (if a minor).
- A digitized declaration of legal guardians (if minor).
*None of the information can be changed once submitted.
Important: Other documents may be required depending on the type of visa you plan on applying for. Any missing, incorrect, or incomplete information and document can lead to your visa being denied.
Sao Tome and Principe Visa Duration Time
A Sao Tome and Principe e-Visa is valid for 30 days. Applicants who want to stay longer than 30 days must apply for a Sao Tome and Principe residence permit.
Sao Tome and Principe Visa Types
There are two types of Sao Tome and Principe e-Visas:
- Tourist visa.
- Business visa.
The requirements for both of these visas are the same. The duration of both types of visas is 30 days.
Important: Applicants who want to apply for other visa types such as; study, work, or resident visas must apply at the nearest embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe in their home country. A visa issued at the embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe will allow applicants to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
To apply for a Sao Tome and Principe visa at the embassy or consulate, applicants must follow these instructions:
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Sao Tome and Principe visa application form and sign it at the end.
- Gather the required documents and submit them at the embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe.
- Attend in time for your visa interview.
- Finish the applicable visa application fee payment.
- Wait until you receive a response with your visa application result.
Sao Tome and Principe Residence Permit
Applicants who want to stay longer than the time issued in their visa application must apply for a Sao Tome and Principe residence permit after entering the country. The residence permit will allow its holder to stay longer in the country.
Why Should You Visit Sao Tome and Principe?
Here are a few interesting reasons why you should visit Sao Tome and Principe:
Beaches
The beaches in Sao Tome and Principe are unique and breathtaking. You can go diving, watch the whales and experience an unforgettable time there. The water in the oceans of Sao Tome and Principe does not rise above +24 °C, which makes it the perfect temperature to swim on hot summer days.
Tourists who want to visit the country for a vacation can also find very beautiful and affordable resorts. So you can rest, try new things, explore and have an unforgettable time in Sao Tome and Principe.
Nature
Verdant forests cover nature in Sao Tome and Principe. The islands have many unique plants and very rich wildlife. Some of the best attractions in Sao tome and Principe are; Obo National Park, Santan, Boca de Inferno, Jale Beach, and Porto Alegre.
Climate
Lovers of hot weather must visit Sao Tome and Principe. The perfect time to visit the country is between June and September. The country has two seasons the rainy season and the dry season. However, when it is summertime, there is rarely rain.
Culture
Sao Tome and Principe people have a unique culture. Even if the Portuguese culture influenced it, Sao Tome and Principe have made their way in maintaining their special things. The locals love music, dancing, food, and the rhythm of dex and are very kind and talented.
Anyone visiting Sao tome and Principe must buy a few souvenirs as a remembrance. One of the traditional souvenirs the locals make is a lamp made of coconut shell decorated with a unique ornament.
Kitchen
The Sao Tome and Principe cuisine is combined with Arab dishes and national cuisine, making it unique, special, and delicious. They are specialists in seafood dishes!
Some of the most popular dishes in Sao Tome and Principe are; Amaji and Tanijya. The country is also known for making chocolate since they have many extensive cocoa plantations, and because of that, some even call Sao Tome and Principe a ‘Chocolate Country.’