Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe Evisa. If you dream of visiting the beautiful islands of Sao Tome and Principe, this guide is for you. This tiny African nation in the Gulf of Guinea is a paradise known for its lush tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and unique blend of cultures. The country has made visiting easier by introducing the Evisa for travellers.
The Sao Tome and Principe Evisa is an official document that grants the right to enter and stay in Sao Tome and Principe for a certain period. It eliminates the need to visit the consulate or embassy, making the visa application process faster and more convenient. This Evisa is valid for those who wish to stay for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
The application for Evisa is done entirely online, and once approved, it is sent to the applicant via email. This Evisa and your passport must be presented upon arrival in Sao Tome and Principe. In this guide, I will take you through how to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe Evisa, its requirements, duration, process time, cost, and tips for a successful application.
Check if your country supports Sao Tome and Principe Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | visa required |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Barbados | visa required |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa on arrival |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa on arrival |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Georgia | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa on arrival |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| India | visa required |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | visa required |
| Namibia | visa on arrival |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | e-visa |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Qatar | e-visa |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
| Saint Lucia | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa required |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Vanuatu | visa required |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | visa on arrival |
| Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
Sao Tome and Principe Evisa Requirements
Before diving into the application process, it is crucial to understand the Sao Tome and Principe Evisa requirements. To apply, you must have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended entry into Sao Tome and Principe. It should also have at least two blank pages for stamping.
You should also have a digital copy of your passport’s biographical page. This is the page with your photo and personal details. Additionally, you must provide a recent, colour passport-sized image taken against a white background. The picture should clearly show the entire face without head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons).
Lastly, you will need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the Evisa fee. The email address is where your approved Evisa will be sent, and the card is for paying the Evisa fee during the application process. Please note that all documents should be in English or Portuguese, the official languages of Sao Tome and Principe.
How to Apply for Sao Tome and Principe Evisa
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can apply for the Sao Tome and Principe Evisa. The application process is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.
First, visit the official Sao Tome and Principe Evisa website. Here, you will find the online application form. Please fill it out accurately with your personal information and travel details. Ensure that all information matches the details on your passport to ensure that everything is clear and accurate to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
Next, upload the required documents, including the digital copy of your passport’s bio page and recent passport photo. After uploading the documents, you will be prompted to pay the Evisa fee. This can be done using a credit or debit card.
Once payment is confirmed, your application will be processed. After processing, your Evisa will be sent to the email address you provided during the application. It is advisable to print out a copy of the Evisa to present upon arrival in Sao Tome and Principe.
Sao Tome and Principe Evisa Duration
The Sao Tome and Principe Evisa duration varies depending on the type of visa you apply for. The tourist Evisa is valid for stays up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension once in the country. However, remember that the total duration of stay, including the extension, should be at most 90 days within 180 days.
For business travellers, the Evisa is valid for up to 90 days, and transit visas are valid for up to 7 days. It’s important to note that the validity of the Evisa starts from the date of the issue rather than from the date of entry into Sao Tome and Principe. Therefore, you should plan your travel accordingly to maximise your visa duration.
Sao Tome and Principe Evisa Process Time
The Sao Tome and Principe Evisa process typically takes seven business days. However, this may vary depending on the volume of applications received by the immigration authorities. Therefore, apply at least two weeks before your intended travel date to allow ample time for processing.
If you need an Evisa urgently, there is an expedited service available. This service processes your Evisa application within 72 hours. However, this service comes at an additional cost. Check the current processing times and fees on the official Evisa website before applying.
Sao Tome and Principe Evisa Cost
The Sao Tome and Principe Evisa cost is determined by the type of visa and the processing time. The standard processing fee for a tourist Evisa is typically around $100. The business Evisa is slightly more expensive, while the transit Evisa is cheaper.
An additional fee is charged for expedited service on top of the standard processing fee. All fees are non-refundable, even if the Evisa application is rejected. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all your application details are correct and all required documents are provided to increase the chances of approval.
Tips for a Successful Sao Tome and Principe Evisa Application
Applying for an Evisa can sometimes be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. However, with a few tips, you can increase your chances of a successful Sao Tome and Principe Evisa application.
Firstly, double-check all the information you provide in your application. Any discrepancies between the details in your application and your passport could lead to delays or rejection of your Evisa. So, ensure that everything matches exactly as it appears in your passport.
Secondly, ensure that your passport photo meets the required standards. This includes having a white background, being in colour, and clearly showing your full face. Thirdly, apply for your Evisa well in advance of your travel date. This allows ample time for processing and any potential delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Sao Tome and Principe Evisa
When applying for a Sao Tome and Principe Evisa, there are everyday things that applicants often need to correct. These mistakes can delay the application process or even lead to the rejection of Evisa.
One common mistake is applying for a passport that does not have the required validity. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after entering Sao Tome and Principe. Another mistake is providing incorrect or incomplete information in the application. Always double-check your details before submitting your application.
Lastly, failing to provide all the required documents or providing documents that are not clear or legible may result in a rejected application. Always ensure your documents are clear, legible, and meet the specified requirements.
Sao Tome and Principe Evisa Application Checklist
Before submitting your Evisa application, it’s always a good idea to go through a checklist to ensure you have everything in order. Here’s an essential list you can use:
- Valid passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
- Digital copy of the passport’s biographical page
- Recent, colour passport-sized photo
- Valid email address
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Completed application form with accurate information
Once you have all these, you can submit your Sao Tome and Principe Evisa application.
Read: How to apply and get Saudi Arabia eVisa
In conclusion, applying for a Sao Tome and Principe Evisa is a straightforward process that can be done online. With this guide, you now have all the information you need on how to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe Evisa, its requirements, duration, process time, and cost. Remember to double-check all your information, provide all the required documents, and apply in advance to increase your chances of approval. Safe travels!