Sao Tome and Principe Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders can visit Sao Tome and Principe visa-free for up to 15 days.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Sao Tome and Principe without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No visa is required for stays up to 15 days. For longer stays, a visa must be obtained in advance. Present a valid UK passport on arrival at Sao Tome International Airport. Ensure you have proof of return or onward travel.
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
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Sao Tome and Principe: What You Need to Know
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa. It introduced visa-free access for British and several other nationalities for short stays of up to 15 days.
Practical Tips
The islands are known for their biodiversity, colonial Portuguese architecture, and cacao plantations. The local currency is the Dobra (STN), which is pegged to the Euro. Portuguese is the official language. Direct flights from Europe are limited; most routes connect via Lisbon or Luanda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Sao Tome and Principe?
No, for stays of up to 15 days. UK passport holders can enter Sao Tome and Principe visa-free for a maximum of 15 days. For stays longer than 15 days, a visa must be obtained in advance.
How do I get to Sao Tome and Principe?
There are no direct flights from the UK. Most travellers connect via Lisbon (Portugal) or Luanda (Angola). STP Airways and TAP Air Portugal are the main carriers serving the islands. Total journey time from the UK is typically 8 to 12 hours.
What language is spoken in Sao Tome and Principe?
Portuguese is the official language, a legacy of over 500 years of Portuguese colonisation. English is not widely spoken, so some basic Portuguese phrases will be helpful.
What is Sao Tome and Principe known for?
The islands are known for exceptional biodiversity, lush rainforest, pristine beaches, and a rich cacao heritage. They produce some of the world's finest single-origin chocolate. The colonial Portuguese architecture in Sao Tome town is also worth exploring.