Skip to main content

Sao Tome And Principe Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens need an e-Visa, applied for online before travel, to enter Sao Tome and Principe.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
  • A completed online e-visa application, with a passport scan and a digital photo upload
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of return or onward travel
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an at-risk country
  • No in-person biometrics required before travel

Visa types

  • e-Visa Tourist: single entry, typically valid for 15-30 days
  • e-Visa Business: requires an invitation or sponsorship letter from a local company
  • Longer stays or employment require conversion to a resident permit once in the country

How to apply online

  • Submit your application through the official Sao Tome and Principe e-visa portal
  • Upload the required documents and pay the fee online by card
  • Approval is emailed as a printable authorisation
  • Present the approval together with your passport on arrival at Sao Tome International Airport

Fees & processing time

  • e-visa fee: approximately US$40-80 depending on visa type and number of entries
  • Standard processing time: 3-5 business days
  • No official express option, so apply at least a week before travel

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Double-check file size and format requirements on the e-visa portal, as rejected uploads are a common cause of delay
  • Carry a printed copy of the approval along with the passport used in the application
  • Flights from South Africa typically connect via Addis Ababa, Lisbon, or other West or Central African hubs — check any transit visa requirements for those legs

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.