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Sao Tome and Principe

No visa for a stay under 15 days; a visa or prior authorisation is required beyond that.

Reviewed by TripminuteFrench passport · tourism · short stayInformation reviewed on August 9, 2026
The 30-second summary
DocumentPassport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
EntryShort stay visa-free

No visa for a stay under 15 days; a visa or prior authorisation is required beyond that.

DurationUnder 15 days visa-free; a tourist visa allows up to 30 days for a longer stay.
Key warningTransit through Gabon may require a multiple-entry Gabonese visa; local medical capacity is very limited.

Before you book

This block covers the standard case stated above. If your situation differs, open the consular source directly.

Document

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

Entry

No visa for a stay under 15 days; a visa or prior authorisation is required beyond that.

Duration

Under 15 days visa-free; a tourist visa allows up to 30 days for a longer stay.

Vaccines and health

Recommendations depend on age, health, stopovers, regions and season.

A travel medicine consultation is important: yellow fever, malaria and recommended vaccines depend on the country, transit and itinerary.
  • Check yellow fever certificate rules based on origin, transit and areas visited.
  • Assess malaria prevention, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and meningitis according to the trip.
  • Seek advice several weeks before departure and use strict mosquito protection.

Driving locally

An international driving permit is a translation: it never replaces your valid French licence.

Carry the French licence together with an international driving permit and check which convention the country recognises.

Service-Public · international permit

Documents to prepare

  • Required identity document and a separate copy
  • Authorisation, visa or QR code available offline
  • Return ticket and first accommodation address
  • Medical insurance and assistance number
  • Prescriptions and medicines in original packaging
  • French licence and any required supporting permit

What can change the answer

Dual nationality or residence permitTransit through border controlMinor travelling alone or with one parentWork, internship, volunteering or a longer stayEmergency, damaged or nearly expired passportControlled medication or specialist equipment

Frequently asked questions

Is a visa or authorisation required?

No visa for a stay under 15 days; a visa or prior authorisation is required beyond that.

Which vaccines should I consider?

A travel medicine consultation is important: yellow fever, malaria and recommended vaccines depend on the country, transit and itinerary.

Is a French driving licence sufficient?

Carry the French licence together with an international driving permit and check which convention the country recognises.

When should this information be checked again?

Check once before any non-refundable purchase, then again 48 to 72 hours before departure. The destination authorities and carrier retain the final say.