Which major countries can Santomean passport holders visit visa-free?

Santomean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and several Central American nations including Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Within Africa, visa-free access includes Ghana, Gabon, Angola, Benin, Togo, and Zambia. However, major destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Schengen countries require visas.

Can Sao Tome and Principe citizens get a visa on arrival for popular tourist destinations?

Yes, Santomean passport holders can obtain visas on arrival in 30 countries including Egypt, Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Cambodia, Jordan, Iran, Nepal, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Cape Verde. Processing times and fees vary by destination, so travelers should carry sufficient cash (USD or EUR) and passport photos for immigration counters.

Do Sao Tome and Principe passport holders need a visa for the United States or Europe?

Yes, Santomean citizens require visas for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and all Schengen Area countries (including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and others). These must be obtained in advance from respective embassies or consulates. The application process typically requires proof of financial means, travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, and return tickets.

What e-visa options are available for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders?

Sao Tome and Principe citizens can apply for e-visas to 36 countries including Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Albania, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea. E-visas are processed online before travel, typically within 3-10 business days, and must be printed for presentation at immigration.

Is military service mandatory for Sao Tome and Principe citizens?

No, Sao Tome and Principe does not have mandatory military service. The country maintains a small volunteer-based armed forces. Citizens are not required to complete military service before obtaining or renewing their passports, and there are no restrictions on travel related to military obligations.

Can Sao Tome and Principe passport holders work in other countries without a work visa?

Generally, no. While Santomean passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 61 destinations, this typically covers tourism and short business visits only (usually 30-90 days). The right to work requires separate work permits or employment visas, even in visa-free countries. ECOWAS membership does not apply to Sao Tome and Principe, so regional work mobility is limited.

What documents are required to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe passport?

Applicants need: birth certificate, national ID card, proof of citizenship, two recent passport-sized photos, completed application form, and payment of applicable fees. For renewals, the old passport is required. Minors need parental consent and birth certificates. Applications are processed through the Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras). Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks, though delays can occur.

How long does it take to renew a Sao Tome and Principe passport and what are the costs?

Passport renewal typically takes 2-4 weeks within Sao Tome and Principe, though it may extend to 6-8 weeks for applications submitted at embassies abroad. Standard passport fees are approximately 1,500,000-2,000,000 STN (around $70-90 USD). Expedited services may be available at additional cost. Passports are valid for 5 years for adults and 3 years for minors under 18.

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders?

While no countries explicitly ban Santomean passport holders, visa requirements are stringent for 139 countries. Destinations like Syria, North Korea, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Libya have complex visa processes or entry restrictions affecting most nationalities due to security concerns. Israel allows entry with proper visa. Travelers should check current travel advisories and embassy requirements, as political situations can change rapidly.

Sao Tome and Principe Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 61 Countries

The São Tomé and Príncipe passport ranks 82nd globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 61 destinations worldwide. This African island nation's travel document provides moderate international mobility, with access primarily concentrated in African countries, select Asian nations, and several overseas territories. The passport has shown gradual improvement in travel freedom over the past two decades, rising from just 22 visa-free destinations in 2006 to 61 in 2025. While offering limited access compared to top-tier passports, it provides São Toméan citizens with reasonable regional travel opportunities and growing global mobility options.

Global Rank

#82

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Sao Tome and Principe passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

128

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Santomean Citizens

Popular destinations where Sao Tome and Principe passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Senegal	Up to days
Ghana	Up to days
Singapore	Up to days
Philippines	Up to days
Malaysia	Up to days

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

29 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

30 countries

🔐 ETA Required

2 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles

💻 E-Visa

37 countries

❌ Visa Required

128 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Sao Tome and Principe's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 8 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Sao Tome and Principe Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities

🔗

Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

🔗

U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

🔗

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Compare Sao Tome and Principe Passport with Other Passports

See how Sao Tome and Principe's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Sao Tome and Principe (You are here)	#82	61	45/100	19/100
Kenya	#73	70	45/100	63/100
The Gambia	#73	70	45/100	63/100
Tanzania	#73	70	42/100	63/100
Ghana	#74	69	42/100	63/100
Tunisia	#75	68	45/100	64/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Sao Tome and Principe passport holders can access 61 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 28 visa-free countries, 30 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 2 countries offering electronic travel authorization (ETA). The passport ranks 82nd globally on the Henley Passport Index, showing modest improvement from 22 visa-free destinations in 2006.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Sao Tome and Principe's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Sao Tome and Principe Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 61 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Historical Ranking Trend

Sao Tome and Principe's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 8 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Sao Tome and Principe Passport with Other Passports

See how Sao Tome and Principe's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Sao Tome and Principe (You are here)	#82	61	45/100	19/100
Kenya	#73	70	45/100	63/100
The Gambia	#73	70	45/100	63/100
Tanzania	#73	70	42/100	63/100
Ghana	#74	69	42/100	63/100
Tunisia	#75	68	45/100	64/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Sao Tome and Principe passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Santomean Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Sao Tome and Principe's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Sao Tome and Principe Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Sao Tome and Principe Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Sao Tome and Principe passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which major countries can Santomean passport holders visit visa-free?

Can Sao Tome and Principe citizens get a visa on arrival for popular tourist destinations?

Do Sao Tome and Principe passport holders need a visa for the United States or Europe?

What e-visa options are available for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Sao Tome and Principe citizens?

Can Sao Tome and Principe passport holders work in other countries without a work visa?

What documents are required to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe passport?

How long does it take to renew a Sao Tome and Principe passport and what are the costs?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Sao Tome and Principe passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Santomean Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Sao Tome and Principe's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Sao Tome and Principe Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Sao Tome and Principe Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Sao Tome and Principe passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which major countries can Santomean passport holders visit visa-free?

Can Sao Tome and Principe citizens get a visa on arrival for popular tourist destinations?

Do Sao Tome and Principe passport holders need a visa for the United States or Europe?

What e-visa options are available for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Sao Tome and Principe citizens?

Can Sao Tome and Principe passport holders work in other countries without a work visa?

What documents are required to apply for a Sao Tome and Principe passport?

How long does it take to renew a Sao Tome and Principe passport and what are the costs?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Sao Tome and Principe passport holders?

Explore More Passport Rankings