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How to get a Sao Tome and Principe visa from South Africa
Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for South African passport holders travelling to Sao Tome and Principe.
Visa types & fees
2 visa options for travelling to Sao Tome and Principe.
Business visa
Processing time2 working days
Validity180 days
Fee (approx.)$60
Tourist visa
Processing time2 working days
Validity30 days
Fee (approx.)$60
Application requirements
Documents South African applicants need to provide.
- One copy of duly completed visa application form.
- Bank statement which is not older than 3 months showing sufficient and sufficient flow of funds for the duration of your stay in the country.
- Return and onward ticket with entry and exit dates.
- Copy of travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- One recent passport sized photograph which is in accordance with the passport format for a visa application.
- Valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of visa application. The visa should have one blank page.
- Valid travel insurance.
Visa type details
Tourist visa
- This visa is for travelers with the intention of visiting Sao Tome and Principe for sightseeing, relaxation and recreation.
- You can gain entry into the country to visit friends and relatives.
- Holders of this visa are neither allowed to work nor study while in the country.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- Minors are expected to be in possession of the original copy of their birth certificate.
- A letter of invitation from your host in the country is required. The letter should contain a valid means of identification of your host as well as your host’s home address.
- Foreigners are advised to be immunized against hepatitis A and B , tetanus, typhoid and rabies.
- You should own a valid health insurance.
- Proof that you can afford €100 per day.
- At the expiry of your visa, you are to leave the country at the expiry of your visa.
- Receipt of paid visa application fees is required.
- The visa is valid for 30 days.
Business visa
- This visa allows business-oriented travelers perform their business activities in the country without restriction.
- Applicants of this visa do so with the intention of visiting the country to attend business meetings, sign and negotiate contracts.
- Holders of this visa can attend conferences, trade fairs and business lectures.
- A letter of invitation from the company you are meeting with in Sao Tome should be provided. The duration and purpose of your visit in the country should be stated in the letter.
- Letter from your current employer stating that your business leave is approved. The duration of your leave should be stated in the letter.
- Proof of paid visa application fee should be provided.
- If you are under the age of 18, you are expected to provide a copy of your birth certificate.
- If you are traveling with your spouse, the original copy of your marriage certificate should be tendered.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
- Immunization against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and polio is recommended.
- Proof that you can afford €100 per day.
- The visa is valid for 180 days.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to apply for my Sao Tome and Principe visa
The best time to apply for your Sao Tome and Principe visa is 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date.
Do I need a visa to enter Sao Tome and Principe
Yes, you need a visa to visit Sao Tome and Principe.
Should I provide the exact date of my arrival
No, it is not necessary to provide the exact day of your arrival.
Can I travel without the authorization letter and get the visa when I arrive
No, you cannot.
My entry date is less than 5 days, can I still apply
Yes, you can still apply considering you satisfy all the requirements.
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest Sao Tome and Principe visa
requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.