Sao Tome and Principe Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except transit passengers continuing their journey to another country by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist: single-entry: US$60; mutiple-entry: US$70. Business: single-entry: US$80; multiple-entry: US$90. Visas processed immediately are available for an additional fee of US$5. Enquire at the embassy for further details.

Validity
Three months from date of issue for single-entry; six months from date of issue for multiple-entry. Extensions are possible; apply at the Immigration Department in São Tomé.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info. For applications in person, an appointment should be made with the consulate (or consular section at embassy) in advance.

Working Days Required
Two days (personal application); up to one week (postal applications).

Warning
Crime rates are generally low, but armed robberies do happen.

The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	Yes	1
Cholera	2	No
Typhoid and Polio	3	N/A
Malaria	4	N/A

Health Care
The island has very basic medical facilities, with one hospital. It is important to carry a basic first aid kit. Health insurance is essential.

Note
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year of age. Travelers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to São Tomé e Príncipe. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

4
Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form exists all year throughout the country. Chloroquine resistance has been reported.


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