Did you know São Tomé and Príncipe, often called the “Chocolate Islands”, is one of the world’s leading producers of organic cocoa? This small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea offers stunning beaches, volcanic peaks, and lush rainforests that make it a hidden gem for adventure seekers and eco-tourists alike.
To make travel easier, São Tomé and Príncipe has introduced an eVisa system, allowing visitors to apply online before traveling. Unlike most countries, the visa fee is not paid online — it is paid at the border upon arrival at São Tomé International Airport.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts about São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa
- Visa Type: Tourist & Business eVisa
- Application Mode: Online (approval letter issued by email)
- Payment Method: At the airport (cash in Euros or USD recommended)
- Eligibility: Most travelers except visa-exempt nationalities
- Entry Point: Only valid for air entry (São Tomé International Airport)
- Processing Time: About 7 working days
- Validity: Single or multiple entry options
- Stay Duration: Up to 30 days (extensions possible)
Eligibility
Travelers from most countries, including Pakistan, India, and other Asian and African nations, must apply for an eVisa in advance.
São Tomé and Príncipe eVisa Fee
Unlike many eVisa systems, you don’t pay online — you pay at the border when you arrive. Bring cash in Euros or USD (small bills), as card payments are not always available.
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD) | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (30 days) | €20 | $22 | PKR 6,200 |
| Business eVisa (30 days) | €30 | $33 | PKR 9,300 |
| Multiple Entry (up to 90 days) | €60 | $65 | PKR 18,300 |
Exchange rates are approximate and may vary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit the Official Portal – Go to smf.st/evisa.
- Fill the Application Form – Enter passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
- Upload Documents – Attach passport copy, photo, and travel itinerary.
- Submit & Wait – Processing usually takes around 7 working days.
- Receive Approval Letter – Sent by email. Print and carry it.
- Travel to São Tomé – Present your approval letter at immigration.
- Pay the Visa Fee – Pay in cash at the airport to get your visa stamped.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Flight reservation or round-trip ticket
- Hotel booking / accommodation proof or invitation letter
- Proof of sufficient funds (€100 per day)
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (mandatory for all travelers)
Processing Time
- Standard: 5–7 working days
Visa Duration & Validity
- Tourist eVisa: Valid for 30 days, single entry, extendable
- Business eVisa: 30–90 days depending on approval
- Multiple Entry Visa: Valid up to 90 days, useful for business/frequent travelers
Final Tip
São Tomé and Príncipe offers one of the simplest and most affordable visa systems in Africa. Just remember — while you apply online, the visa fee is always paid on arrival in cash. Pack your Euros or USD, your approval letter, and your yellow fever card, and you’re ready to discover the hidden paradise of the Gulf of Guinea.
