United States Visa RequirementsFor Sao Tome and Principe passport holders
Sao Tome and Principe citizens must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. There is no US Embassy in Sao Tome. Citizens must apply at the US Embassy in Libreville, Gabon.
Sao Tome and Principe passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee. Since there is no US Embassy in Sao Tome, you must schedule and attend your interview at the US Embassy in Libreville, Gabon. Travel to Libreville for your visa interview is required.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
Sao Tome and Principe to United States: What You Need to Know
Sao Tome and Principe and the United States have a cordial relationship, with US engagement focused on democratic development and aid. The country is one of Africa's smallest nations. It is not an AGOA member. The US has a limited aid presence focused on health and education. The diaspora in the United States is very small.
How to Get There
From Sao Tome, TAP Air Portugal connects via Lisbon (LIS) to multiple US cities including New York, Boston, and Miami. This is often the most straightforward routing to the US. Ethiopian Airlines and TAAG Angola Airlines connect through regional hubs including Luanda (LAD) and Addis Ababa (ADD) to reach US destinations.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest US travel. Tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel staff.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 5 to 6 months before your intended travel date to allow time for travel to Libreville and the interview process. Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Libreville are typically 3 to 6 months. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Demonstrating stable employment, property, or family ties in Sao Tome and Principe is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe? Where do Sao Tome and Principe citizens apply for a US visa?
There is no US Embassy in Sao Tome. Sao Tome and Principe citizens must apply at the US Embassy in Libreville, Gabon. You will need to travel there for your visa interview after completing the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov and paying the $185 MRV fee.
How long are US visa interview wait times from Sao Tome and Principe?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Libreville, Gabon for Sao Tome and Principe citizens are typically 3 to 6 months for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should Sao Tome and Principe citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 3 to 6 months, apply at least 7 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from Sao Tome and Principe to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Sao Tome to the United States. Common routing options include TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from Sao Tome and Principe?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from Sao Tome and Principe is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of Sao Tome and Principe?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to Sao Tome and Principe, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Sao Tome and Principe citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a Sao Tome and Principe citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.