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Sao Tome And Principe Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Canadian citizens can enter Sao Tome and Principe visa-free for stays of up to 15 days for tourism, with entry authorization stamped free of charge on arrival.

Guide last updated September 30, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
  • No advance visa application required for stays up to 15 days
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from an at-risk country
  • No photo required for visa-free entry
  • No biometrics required beyond standard immigration processing

Visa types

  • 15-day visa-free entry stamp - free tourist entry issued on arrival
  • Tourist visa extension - for stays beyond 15 days, issued by the Immigration Department (Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras) in São Tomé
  • Business visa - for longer business engagements, requires an invitation letter, arranged in advance
  • Work permit - required for employment, sponsored by a local employer

Entry conditions

  • Canadians may stay up to 15 days without a visa for tourism purposes
  • Employment is not permitted under visa-free entry
  • On arrival at São Tomé International Airport, present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof to immigration
  • Extensions beyond 15 days must be requested at the Immigration Department in São Tomé before the initial period expires, typically granted for an additional 15-30 days

Fees & processing time

  • No fee for the standard 15-day visa-free entry
  • Extension fee at the Immigration Department: approximately USD 50-80
  • Total cost for a standard visit: USD 0
  • Processing time: immediate at the border; extensions processed within a few working days

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Flights to São Tomé are limited (often via Lisbon, Accra, or Libreville), so plan your 15-day window around available connections
  • Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate if transiting through an at-risk country, as this is checked more strictly than visa status
  • If you wish to explore both São Tomé and Príncipe islands, factor domestic flight schedules into your 15-day visa-free window
  • Visit the Immigration Department early if you anticipate needing an extension, as processing can take several business days
  • Cash (dobra or euros) is essential outside the capital, so budget accordingly if applying for more time

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.