Complete Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
The ultimate Complete Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts for 2025-2026 – covering lightning-fast eVisa, whale watching at Praia Jalé, cocoa plantation hotels, luxury eco-lodges on Príncipe, investment in tourism & blue economy, medivac & scenic flights, safety, SIM cards and everything you need for Africa’s best-kept island paradise.
Praia Jalé – World-class whale watching and turtle nesting (Complete Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe)
Introduction: Why São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa’s Secret Island Paradise
Two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea with ~220,000 inhabitants, Portuguese creole culture, zero traffic lights in the capital, and some of the world’s cleanest beaches. Often called “the Galápagos of Africa” for its endemic species and “the Chocolate Islands” for its historic cocoa roças. This Complete Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts shows why it’s the safest, most relaxing, and most exclusive destination on the continent in 2025.
São Tomé and Príncipe Independence Date: July 12, 1975
Independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975 – celebrated with music festivals and traditional tchiloli dances across both islands.
How to Get São Tomé and Príncipe Visa in 2025-2026 (eVisa + On Arrival)
Super easy: eVisa at evisa.stp.gov.st – approved in 24–48 hours. Also visa on arrival at São Tomé International Airport.
| Type | Validity | Cost (USD) | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa Tourist | 30 days | 25–50 | 24–48h |
| Visa on Arrival | 15–30 days | 40 cash | At airport |
| Extension | +30 days | 20 | In São Tomé |
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Yellow fever certificate mandatory
- Return/onward ticket
Top Places to Visit in São Tomé and Príncipe
- Praia Jalé & Praia Inhame – Whale watching, turtle nesting
- Ilhéu das Rolas – Stand on the Equator line
- Obo Natural Park – Endemic birds, rainforest hikes
- Pico Cão Grande – Iconic volcanic plug
- Roça São João & Agostinho Neto – Luxury cocoa plantation hotels
- Príncipe Island (UNESCO Biosphere) – Praia Banana, Bay of Dogs
- Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Amelia – Turquoise lagoons
São Tomé and Príncipe Map – The Chocolate Islands (Complete Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe)
How to Invest in São Tomé and Príncipe – 2025 Opportunities
One-stop shop: Guichet Unique. 100% foreign ownership allowed.
- Tourism – Free-trade zone, tax holidays up to 15 years
- Cocoa & Coffee – Organic premium export
- Blue Economy – Deep-water port project
- Renewable Energy – Solar & geothermal potential
São Tomé and Príncipe Economy – Key Statistics 2025
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | USD 780 million |
| Growth rate | 5.2% |
| Main exports | Cocoa 85%, tourism growing fast |
| Tourism arrivals | 40,000+ (2025 target) |
How to Buy a SIM Card in São Tomé and PríncipeCST or Unitel at São Tomé airport or city shops. Passport registration. 10 GB ≈ 150–200 STD (≈ USD 7–9).
Who is the President of São Tomé and Príncipe?
Carlos Vila Nova – Elected September 2021, re-elected 2026 expected.
Aviation Services in São Tomé and Príncipe – Medivac, Scenic Flights, Helicopter Tours
KiliFlying Air offers:
- 24/7 Medivac from remote roças & Príncipe
- Scenic flights over Pico Cão Grande & equator
- Helicopter island-hopping transfers
- Charters from Tanzania → São Tomé → Príncipe
Safety & Travel Tips for São Tomé and Príncipe 2025-2026
- One of the safest countries in Africa – no violent crime against tourists
- Yellow fever vaccination mandatory
- Portuguese is official language, English growing in tourism
- Currency: Dobra (STD), euros widely accepted
Start Your São Tomé and Príncipe Adventure Today
This Complete Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts is the deepest resource online. Contact KiliFlying Air for seamless connections from East Africa to the Chocolate Islands.
Call/WhatsApp: +255 744 303 141