Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Population
- 240,254
- Currency
- São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra (STN)
- Calling code
- +239
- Languages
- Portuguese
- 12missions
- 8embassies
- 3consulates
- 1honorary consulate
São Tomé and Príncipe
Embassies and consulates in São Tomé and Príncipe
embassies in São Tomé
Diplomatic missions from 12 countries are based in São Tomé and Príncipe, 12 missions in all (8 embassies, 3 consulates and 1 honorary consulate). All 8 embassies are in the capital, São Tomé.
Map
All missions in São Tomé and Príncipe
By country
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Angola 1 consulate1 -
Brazil 1 embassy1 -
China 1 embassy1 -
Equatorial Guinea 1 embassy1 -
Gabon 1 embassy1 -
Germany 1 honorary consulate1 -
India 1 embassy1 -
Netherlands 1 consulate1 -
Nigeria 1 embassy1 -
Portugal 1 embassy1 -
Switzerland 1 consulate1 -
Taiwan 1 embassy1
Visa rules for São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe visa guide · 1 visa type
Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 57 can enter visa-free, 1 get a visa on arrival and 140 need an e-Visa for São Tomé and Príncipe.
Visa statistics
Schengen visa applications in São Tomé and Príncipe
| Year | Applications | Visas issued | Refused | Refusal rate | Multiple-entry share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9,582 | 9,242 | 340 | 3.5% | 7.1% |
| 2024 | 10,337 | 9,532 | 89 | 0.9% | 6.6% |
| 2025 | 8,822 | 8,485 | 337 | 3.8% | 10.3% |
Schengen consulates in São Tomé and Príncipe received 8,822 short-stay visa applications in 2025, and issued 8,485 visas. 3.8% of applications were refused (worldwide: 14.6%). The refusal rate rose by 2.9 points from 0.9% in 2024. Applications fell by 15% compared with 2024 (10,337).
The numbers include every nationality applying in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, visa statistics for consulates 2023–2025 (© European Union, reused under CC BY 4.0). Short-stay (type C) visas. How these figures are made
US visas issued to citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 12 | 18 |
| Student (F, M) | 1 | 1 |
| Exchange (J) | 5 | 9 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 5 | 0 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 53 | 42 |
| Total | 76 | 70 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 50.0% | 25.0% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 70 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe, the 191st highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Diplomatic and official visas (A, G) made up 60%, visitor visas 26% and exchange visitor visas 13%. That is 8% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (76).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe received 4, 82% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 25.0% for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 50.0%).
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
São Tomé and Príncipe’s own missions abroad
São Tomé and Príncipe’s embassies abroad (13)
São Tomé and Príncipe itself has 13 missions abroad, in 11 countries. Its largest networks are in France (3).
Upcoming closures
Public holidays in São Tomé and Príncipe
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São Tomé Day
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Christmas Day
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New Year's Day
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Martyrs' Day
Good to know
Where the embassies are
All 8 embassies are in the capital, São Tomé.
Travel advice for São Tomé and Príncipe
Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to São Tomé and Príncipe: the US State Department rates São Tomé and Príncipe at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 3 September 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to São Tomé and Príncipe (updated 10 December 2025) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for São Tomé and Príncipe (updated 13 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Of 198 passports, 57 can enter visa-free, 1 get a visa on arrival and 140 need an e-Visa for São Tomé and Príncipe; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.
When are embassies in São Tomé and Príncipe closed?
On São Tomé and Príncipe’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is São Tomé Day (Dia de São Tomé) on Monday 21 December 2026.