***This is a guest post by Aisha Ife, outside of her amazing photography work, she is an explorer, an avid reader and all-round cool human.
SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe is a small island country in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa. The country comprises of two main islands, SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe, and several smaller islands.
As a Nigerian, I know how much of a hassle it is to apply for visas and the multiple steps we have to take to travel.
While planning this trip, I found limited information about visiting SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe as a Nigerian and I hope this visa application guide is helpful for anyone considering SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe as a destination.
Here’s what you need to know,
Entry Requirements
- Return flight ticket.
- Visa authorization document: Nigerians require a visa authorization document to visit SĂŁo TomĂ© and PrĂncipe. The application is free and can be made on their immigration website.
- Yellow fever card.
- Booked accommodation.
- Money for the stay duration (although I wasn’t asked for this).
Flights
There’s a direct flight from Lagos but it costs considerably more than traveling from Accra. I flew with Tap Air Portugal from Accra.
You can check flight prices on their website or Expedia, I booked on Expedia.
Tip: Flights are cheaper on certain dates, cheap flights vary from $350 -$400 for a round trip.
Applying for Visa Authorisation
Application for São Tomé visa authorization is done via this website: e-Visa STP
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Return ticket details
- Accommodation details
- Bonus: trip itinerary
Important things to note:
- The website is originally in Portuguese but there’s an option for English at the top. The instructions are straightforward.
- The visa category for tourism is the tourist visa.
- You are required to upload a copy of your passport biodata page and your flight details. However, there’s only allocation for 1 document on the website so put all the details together in 1 document and upload it to the website. You can download the template I made here.
- Book at least 1 Airbnb for your stay so your host details can be used under the “address and name of whom you’ll be staying with” section. You can also book a well-known hotel.
- Tip: Be as detailed as possible with your itinerary.
- The Visa authorization document is free but you’ll pay for the visa on arrival to the country, it’s 20 Euros. However, it’s free if you have a valid US visa. Check all exemptions here.
- After applying, note the application number and save it. It’s important to check your application status.
- Check your application status on this website. There should be feedback in a week.
Accommodation Options
These options can be booked via Booking.com or Airbnb.
I stayed at Hotel Kenito, Edenvalley Ecolodge, and Casa Ondas Divinas.
Other options are:
- Pestana São Tomé
- Omali
- Club Santana
Accommodation tips:
- Choose accommodation options close to the airport for your arrival. Options: Hotel Kenito, Pestana Hotel, Omali.
- Santana is close to the south so you can stay at accommodations close to Santana for days you’ll be touring the south.
- If you’ll be staying anywhere off-grid and you won’t be touring much on some days, make sure you opt for a full board option at the accommodation as most restaurants are in the city.
If you’re ever interested in visiting Lugano, Switzerland – Winifred vlogged about getting there from Cinque Terre, Italy. You can check it out here.
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