✅ What Types of Visas Are Available?
São Tomé and Príncipe offers a range of visa options to fit your travel purpose:
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Visa‑Exemption (≤15 days) – Citizens of about 45 countries (e.g., EU, USA, Brazil, Canada, China, Angola, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 15 days (cibtvisas.com.mx, visa-to-travel.com, en.wikipedia.org).
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e‑Visa (Tourist or Business) – Up to 30 days, single entry, processed online within ~7 working days (visa-to-travel.com).
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Visa on Arrival – Available only for Chinese passport holders, valid for 15 days (en.wikipedia.org).
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Sticker Visa (Embassy) – For stays over 30 days, work, study, or other specific purposes; applied via São Tomé embassies or consulates (visa-to-travel.com).
📝 How to Apply Online (e‑Visa)
How to get São Tomé and Príncipe e‑Visa – and it couldn’t be smoother:
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Visit the official e‑Visa portal (eVisaST).
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Choose tourist or business visa type.
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Complete the online form with personal and passport details.
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Upload scanned documents (passport bio page, photo, itinerary, proof of funds, onward ticket) (visa-to-travel.com, visahq.com).
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Pay the e‑Visa processing fee and wait ~7 working days (en.wikipedia.org).
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Receive your Visa Approval Letter via email.
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Show it during check‑in and again on arrival to have visa stamped (visa-to-travel.com, ivisatravel.com).
🎒 Eligibility & Requirements
You’re eligible if:
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You’re from a visa-required country (non–visa‑exempt), or staying over 15 days.
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You have a passport valid ≥6 months, with at least one blank page (travel.state.gov).
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Your paperwork includes:
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Passport copy
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Colour photograph
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Proof of sufficient funds
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Return/onward ticket
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Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required) (travel.state.gov, cibtvisas.com.mx).
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💰 Visa Fees
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Visa‑exempt entry (≤15 days): Free, but €20 entry fee payable on arrival (cash—USD/EUR/STN accepted) .
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e‑Visa: Fee varies (typically USD 40), plus processing charges; confirmation and stamp on arrival (en.wikipedia.org).
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Embassy (Sticker) Visa: Fee depends on visa type, duration, and nationality—check your local mission.
⏱ Visa Duration & Validity
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Visa‑Exempt: Up to 15 days, single or multiple entries within that period (visa-to-travel.com).
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e‑Visa: Valid for 30 days, single entry, from date of approval (visa-to-travel.com).
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Sticker Visa: Issued for longer stays (60–90 days or more), multiple entries—assessed at embassy application.
🛫 Application Procedure Recap
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Check eligibility: does your country need a visa?
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Visa‑Exempt? Stay ≤15 days and pay arrival fee—no visa needed.
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Need e‑Visa? Apply online 7 days before travel.
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Need longer stay? Apply at embassy/consulate well in advance (~1–2 months before).
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Show documents at check‑in and on arrival (passport, e‑Visa letter or proof of exemption, proof of funds, onward ticket).
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Extensions available locally—speak with Immigration Services in São Tomé.
🌟 Why São Tomé and Príncipe Is Easy to Visit
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Fully online system for e‑Visa = smooth, fast, stress‑free.
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Visa‑exemption for first 15 days for many nationalities.
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Option to convert stay via embassy if you want to extend.
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Semi‑on‑arrival process—no embassy visit needed for most tourists.
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Friendly, English‑friendly administrative system.
✈️ Final Thoughts & SEO Highlights
If you're searching “how to get São Tomé and Príncipe visa”, “how to online apply visa”, or “São Tomé visa requirements”, here’s what you need:
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Eligibility: visa‑exempt or e‑Visa required.
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Visa types: visa‑exempt (≤15 days), e‑Visa (30 days), sticker visa (long‑stay).
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Visa fee: arrival tax for short visas; around USD 40 + processing for e‑Visa.
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Requirements: 6+ month passport, photo, ticket, proof of funds, (vaccination).
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Application procedure: online via eVisaST, payment, visa letter, arrival stamping.
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Duration: 15 days exemption or 30 days e‑Visa; longer with embassy sticker visa.
✨ Travel with Confidence!
As a visa expert, I'm here to assure you that São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the most traveler‑friendly destinations in Africa. With its streamlined online system and visa‑free entry options, your tropical getaway is closer than ever. Pack your bags and start your journey—São Tomé is waiting for you!