São Tomé and Príncipe

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of São Tomé and Príncipe’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in São Tomé and Príncipe set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy in Brussels, or email the São Tomé and Príncipe authorities. 

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can visit São Tomé and Príncipe for tourism for a period of up to 15 days without a visa.  

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the São Tomé and Príncipe government’s entry requirements. 

Border control 

You must pay a 20-euro entry fee when you arrive in the country. You can also pay in US dollars or local currency.

Vaccine requirements  

To enter São Tomé and Príncipe, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s São Tomé and Príncipe guide.  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of São Tomé and Príncipe. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in São Tomé and Príncipe 

Ambulance: 222 22 22 

Fire: 112 

Police: 113 or 222 22 22 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• dealing with a death abroad 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime 
• what to do if you’re in hospital 
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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