Skip to main content

Sao Tome And Principe Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens can enter Sao Tome and Principe without a pre-arranged visa - a free entry visa is issued on arrival for stays of up to 15 days.

Guide last updated October 7, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • A return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
  • A completed arrival form, typically provided on the flight or at the airport
  • Travel health insurance, including cover for medical evacuation, is strongly recommended given limited medical facilities

Visa types

  • Entry visa issued free on arrival for stays of up to 15 days, covering tourism and short business visits
  • Visitors needing to stay longer than 15 days should apply in advance for an extended visa through the Sao Tome and Principe consular authorities, or request an extension locally

Entry conditions

  • The entry visa is stamped into the passport on arrival at no cost, valid for up to 15 days
  • No employment is permitted under this entry visa
  • Extensions can be requested at the immigration office in Sao Tome city before the 15-day period expires
  • Travellers should be ready to show proof of accommodation and a return ticket on arrival

Fees & processing time

  • Entry visa on arrival: free of charge for stays up to 15 days
  • Extension fee (if applied for locally): a fixed fee payable in Sao Tome and Principe dobra
  • No advance processing is required, since the visa is issued immediately on arrival

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Flights from the UK typically connect via Lisbon, Accra or Libreville - build in buffer time for onward connections, which can be infrequent
  • Carry both a digital and printed copy of your accommodation booking
  • There is no British embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the nearest consular support is through the British Embassy in Luanda, Angola, or Accra, Ghana
  • Arrange any stay extension early, since the 15-day allowance is relatively short for island-hopping between Sao Tome and Principe
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificates may be checked if arriving from or transiting an at-risk country

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

FranceGermanyItalySpainUnited StatesAustraliaView all →

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.