Complete List of São Tomé and Príncipe Visa-Free, Visa-on-Arrival, and eVisa Countries in 2025

In August 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe officially launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.

One of the practical considerations for new citizens is the passport’s travel access. While it is not among the world’s strongest documents, it does provide useful mobility within Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia and Central America.

As of 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe citizens enjoy visa-free entry to 26 countries, visa-on-arrival access to 25 countries, and simplified eVisa entry to 48 countries.

In this guide, we’ll break down São Tomé and Príncipe’s visa-free,visa-on-arrival, and eVisa destinations region by region, highlight the countries that still require traditional visas, and explain special mobility agreements that strengthen this passport’s value.

Understanding São Tomé and Príncipe’s Visa-Free Travel Privileges

Travel privileges linked to a passport depend on the strength of a country’s international agreements and its global standing.

For São Tomé and Príncipe, the network is steadily expanding, but it’s still considered a regionally strong passport rather than a globally dominant one.

Santomean passport holders benefit from three main types of entry:

• Visa-Free Access – Citizens can enter certain countries without applying for a visa in advance or paying fees at the border

• Visa on Arrival – Travelers are issued a visa directly at the port of entry, often for a fee, without the need for pre-approval

• Electronic Visas (eVisas) – Applications are submitted online before departure, with simplified processes compared to traditional embassy visas

Together, these categories allow São Tomé and Príncipe citizens to enter nearly 100 countries and territories worldwide in 2025 without needing a traditional embassy visa.

While major destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area still require visas, Santomean passport holders enjoy stress-free movement across parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America.

For investors considering the new CBI program, these privileges add practical value: the São Toméan passport can be a useful travel document for regional mobility, emergency travel planning, and as a complement to stronger passports.

Learn all about São Tomé and Príncipe’s new Citizenship by Investment program and what it means for travel freedom in our in-depth article: São Tomé and Príncipe New Citizenship Program.

São Tomé and Príncipe Visa-Free Travel Statistics at a Glance

As of 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders enjoy access to a mix of visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eVisa destinations.

Here’s how the numbers break down:

• Visa-Free Countries: 26
  – Immediate entry without prior arrangements

• Visa on Arrival Destinations: 25
  – Simple border-issued visas, usually with a small fee

• Electronic Visa (eVisa) Destinations: 48
  – Quick, online applications processed before travel

• Visa Required: 99
  – Traditional embassy or consulate visa applications still needed

Total Travel Access: 99 countries and territories worldwide.

In global passport rankings, São Tomé and Príncipe typically falls in the lower-middle tier, ahead of some African and Asian states but behind the highly mobile passports of Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

This means the Santomean passport is best understood as a regional strength passport, offering excellent mobility within Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America, but requiring additional support for long-haul destinations such as the EU, USA, or Australia.

Complete List of Visa-Free Countries for Santomean Passport Holders

Santomean citizens can travel visa-free to 26 countries and territories across the globe.

Below is the region-by-region breakdown for 2025:

Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Santomean Citizens

In addition to visa-free travel, São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders also benefit from visa on arrival access to 25 countries.

This option allows citizens to obtain a visa directly at the airport or border crossing, usually after filling out a short form and paying a fee.

Here’s the full list for 2025:

Electronic Travel Authorizations (eVisas) for Santomean Passport Holders

Beyond visa-free and visa-on-arrival options, São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders can apply for eVisas to 48 countries in 2025.

An eVisa is obtained online before departure, usually through a government portal. The process is faster and less costly than traditional embassy visas, and it avoids the need for in-person appointments.

Here’s the complete list of eVisa destinations for 2025:

Countries Requiring Traditional Visas for Santomean Citizens

Despite recent progress, the São Tomé and Príncipe passport still faces visa restrictions in 99 countries.

These destinations require citizens to apply for a visa in advance, usually through an embassy or consulate.

The process often involves providing documentation such as proof of funds, accommodation, travel history, and in some cases, biometric data.

This category includes many of the world’s most sought-after destinations:

• Europe’s Schengen Area (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)
• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Major Asia-Pacific hubs (China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea)

For Santomean passport holders, and particularly for new investors entering through the 2025 CBI program, this highlights the importance of dual citizenship strategies.

Pairing the São Toméan passport with one from a higher-mobility nation can create a more globally competitive travel portfolio.

Here’s the full list of countries requiring traditional visas in 2025:

Special Travel Arrangements and Agreements

Beyond standard visa-free and visa-on-arrival categories, São Tomé and Príncipe benefits from special mobility frameworks that enhance its passport’s value.

These agreements are especially important for Santomean citizens because they provide streamlined travel within linguistic, cultural, or regional blocs.

CPLP Mobility Agreement (Portuguese-Speaking Countries)

São Tomé and Príncipe is a founding member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), which also includes Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-Leste, and Equatorial Guinea.

In 2021, the CPLP approved a Mobility Agreement designed to ease travel and residence permits among member states. While implementation varies by country, in practice this agreement:

• Facilitates simplified visa or residence procedures for Santomean citizens.

• Encourages educational, cultural, and business exchange within the Lusophone world.

• Positions São Tomé and Príncipe as part of a wider Portuguese-speaking travel community.

For investors, this is significant: acquiring São Toméan citizenship provides a pathway into an exclusive global network of Portuguese-speaking nations that spans multiple continents.

Regional and Bilateral Arrangements

São Tomé and Príncipe also engages in regional African mobility initiatives and bilateral agreements with select countries.

Examples include:

• Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) – As a member, São Tomé and Príncipe citizens benefit from easier regional movement and trade access

• Bilateral agreements – São Tomé and Principe maintains targeted partnerships with countries in West Africa and the Caribbean, strengthening visa facilitation for business and cultural exchange

While these arrangements do not always translate directly into full visa-free entry, they offer Santomean citizens preferential treatment compared to non-member nationals.

São Tomé and Príncipe Passport Travel Power and Global Ranking

In the world of global mobility, the São Tomé and Príncipe passport is classified as a lower-middle tier travel document. As of 2025:

• Total Countries Accessible (without full visa): 99 (Visa-Free + Visa on Arrival + eVisa combined)
  • Visa-Free Destinations: 26
  • Visa on Arrival Destinations: 25
  • eVisa Destinations: 48
• Traditional Visa Required: 99

São Tomé and Príncipe’s passport ranks within the 80–90 range out of nearly 200 worldwide.

This places it above certain African and South Asian nations with more restricted travel rights, but well below top performers like Japan, Singapore, UAE, and European Union countries.

That said, the passport holds regional strength:

• Reliable movement across Central and West Africa
• Good access to Caribbean islands and Central American states
• Strategic entry points in Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia)

For investors entering through the 2025 Citizenship by Investment program, this ranking is expected to improve over time.

Tips for Santomean Passport Holders When Traveling Abroad

Holding a São Tomé and Príncipe passport in 2025 gives citizens access to nearly 100 destinations with simplified travel.

Still, careful preparation remains essential. Here are some key tips to make international travel smoother:

1. Double-Check Entry Requirements

Even if a country is listed as visa-free or visa-on-arrival, rules can change quickly. Always confirm entry requirements on the official government website or through airlines before booking flights.

2. Carry Supporting Documents

At many visa-free or visa-on-arrival borders, travelers may be asked to show:

• Proof of accommodation
• Return or onward tickets
• Sufficient funds for the stay

Having these documents ready reduces the risk of delays.

3. Plan Ahead for eVisas

For the 48 countries requiring eVisas, make sure to apply online several days or weeks before departure. While most approvals are quick, processing times vary.

4. Use CPLP and Regional Ties

Santomean citizens should take advantage of Portuguese-speaking networks (CPLP) and regional African blocs (ECCAS). These agreements often provide easier entry or long-stay options compared to standard visa categories.

5. Combine with Stronger Passports

For investors holding dual citizenship, the São Toméan passport can complement a stronger passport by providing backup mobility and access to unique regions. This is especially useful for those pursuing business opportunities in Africa and the Lusophone world.

FAQs on São Tomé and Príncipe Visa-Free Countries

1. How many countries can São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders travel to without a visa in 2025?

As of 2025, Santomean citizens can travel to 26 countries visa-free, access 25 countries with visa on arrival, and enter 48 countries with an eVisa, making for 99 destinations in total without a traditional embassy visa.

2. Can São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders travel to Europe without a visa?

No. Most European Union and Schengen countries (such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy) still require a visa for Santomean citizens. The only European country currently visa-free is Kosovo.

3. Does São Tomé and Príncipe have visa-free access to the USA or UK?

No. Both the United States and the United Kingdom require São Tomé & Príncipe passport holders to apply for visas before traveling.

4. What regional advantages does the São Toméan passport provide?

The passport offers strong regional mobility, especially across Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. Additionally, São Tomé and Príncipe is part of the CPLP Mobility Agreement, which eases travel and residence within Portuguese-speaking countries.

5. Do Santomean citizens need a visa for Schengen Area countries?

Yes. All Schengen Area states (including France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Italy) currently require a visa for Santomean passport holders. While São Tomé & Príncipe has cultural and linguistic ties to Portugal through the CPLP, this does not yet provide full visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.

References

International Air Transport Association (IATA). (2025). Travel Information Manual (TIMATIC): Entry requirements by nationality. Referred from https://www.iata.org

Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). (2021). Mobility Agreement among Portuguese-speaking countries. Referred from https://www.cplp.org

United Nations. (2024). United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Tourism Visa Openness Report. Referred from https://www.unwto.org

World Bank. (2025). São Tomé and Príncipe country overview. Referred from https://www.worldbank.org

International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2024). World Migration Report 2024. Referred from https://www.iom.int