São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe visa guide: eVisaST entry authorisation
- 1 visa type
- checked 24 October 2026
How visas for São Tomé and Príncipe work
Entry to São Tomé and Príncipe is handled by the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF), the migration and border service under the Ministry of Internal Administration. The legal framework is Law No. 5/2008 on foreigners and Decree-Law No. 11/2009.
Visitors who need a visa and cannot get one from a São Tomé consulate obtain an entry authorisation (Autorização de Entrada) online through the SMF's eVisaST platform. The SMF answers within seven working days, the authorisation is published on the SMF website rather than emailed, and the visa fee is paid at the border on arrival. A visa cannot be obtained at the border without a prior entry authorisation.
The platform offers tourist, business, transit and temporary visa categories. Foreign spouses of São Toméan citizens and their accompanying children may enter without a visa on showing a passport and birth and marriage certificates that prove the link to São Tomé and Príncipe.
Which visa do I need?
Holiday: eVisaST entry authorisation, tourist category.
Meetings or commercial visits: eVisaST, business category.
Passing through to another country: eVisaST, transit category, with proof you may enter your destination.
Spouse or child of a São Toméan citizen: visa-free entry with passport and birth and marriage certificates.
Visa types for São Tomé and Príncipe
- e-Visa eVisaST entry authorisation (Autorização de Entrada)
eVisaST is the online platform of São Tomé and Príncipe's Migration and Border Service for requesting an entry authorisation for tourist, business, transit or temporary stays.
Maximum stay: As stated on the authorisation, based on the dates you request
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in São Tomé without applying first?
No. The SMF states that, under Article 20(2) of Decree-Law No. 11/2009, you need an entry authorisation requested through eVisaST before arrival; you then present it at the border.
How long does the eVisaST answer take?
The SMF replies within seven working days. Keep the process number generated at the end of the application to check the decision.
Where do I pay the visa fee?
At the border on arrival. The eVisaST platform itself does not take payment.
How do I contact the SMF?
The SMF head office is on Avenida 12 de Julho in São Tomé, telephone +239 2222098; the regional delegation is on +239 2251183, and email goes to direccaosmf@gmail.com.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.