🇨🇳 China passport 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe
Visa on arrival
Issued at the border when you land — nothing to apply for in advance
China passport holders do not need a visa in advance for Sao Tome and Principe — a visa is issued on arrival at the border.
Our data doesn't record the permitted stay or fee for this route — check the official page before you travel.
Source: the open Passport Index dataset, with corrections checked against official government sites. How we source this · Report an error
Before you board
Check your passport's expiry date. We don't hold Sao Tome and Principe's own validity rule. Many countries ask for six months beyond your stay, some for three, some only for the length of your trip — and airlines refuse boarding on it. See the six-month passport rule, then confirm with the official sources.
Keep going
Getting a visa on arrival for Sao Tome and Principe
What this usually involves for a visa on arrival — not a checklist researched for China passport holders specifically. The official page has the exact list.
What you'll typically need 5 items
- Passport meeting the destination's validity rule (commonly six months beyond arrival)
- Completed arrival/VOA form (available on plane or at airport)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Cash for visa fee (check destination for accepted currencies)
Steps 4 steps
- Collect the Visa on Arrival form from the plane or airport counter
- Fill out the form and queue at the VOA desk
- Submit your documents and pay the visa fee
- Receive your visa stamp and proceed to immigration
About Sao Tome and Principe
The Chocolate Islands — two volcanic peaks rising from the Gulf of Guinea with cacao, colonial ruins, and zero crowds
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Currency
- São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (Db)
- Language
- Portuguese
- Time zone
- GMT (UTC+0)
- Best time to visit
- June – September
Official sources
Always confirm with Sao Tome and Principe's own government before you travel:
- Sao Tome and Principe official visa information ↗ evisa.gov.st
- Sao Tome and Principe embassies & consulates ↗ mnec.gov.st
Common questions
Do China citizens need a visa to visit Sao Tome and Principe?
China passport holders do not need a visa in advance for Sao Tome and Principe — a visa is issued on arrival at the border.
How long can China passport holders stay in Sao Tome and Principe?
Our data doesn't record the permitted stay for this route. Check Sao Tome and Principe's official visa information before you travel.
How much does a Sao Tome and Principe visa cost for China citizens?
Our data doesn't record the fee for this route. Fees change often — check Sao Tome and Principe's official visa information before you apply.
How long does it take to get a Sao Tome and Principe visa?
Processing time: Issued on arrival (typically 15–60 minutes).
How long must my passport be valid to enter Sao Tome and Principe?
We don't hold Sao Tome and Principe's own passport-validity rule. Many countries ask for six months beyond your stay; some ask for less. Check before you travel.
Does Sao Tome and Principe give visas to China citizens?
Yes — Sao Tome and Principe issues China citizens a visa on arrival at the border or airport, so no embassy application is needed beforehand.
Where can China citizens find official Sao Tome and Principe visa information?
On Sao Tome and Principe's official site: https://evisa.gov.st