The Sao Tomean passport is currently ranked 80th place on the Guide Passport Index. It provides visa-free access to 61 destinations. Sao Tomean passport holders have visa-free access and visas on arrival to countries such as Philippines, and Singapore. Sao Tomean passport holders do however require a visa to enter 167 destinations in the world. Some countries where a visa is required are Thailand, Turkey, Russia and the entire European Union. This high visa requirement results in a low mobility score.
The Sao Tome and Principe passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by adding up the number of countries that allow Sao Tome and Principe passport holders to enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries) and those that allow Sao Tome and Principe passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). There are currently a total of 26 Sao Tome and Principe passport visa-free countries, 35 Sao Tome and Principe visa-on-arrival countries, and 1 eTA destinations.
Altogether, Sao Tome and Principe passport holders can enter a total of 61 destinations—either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, the Sao Tome and Principe passport ranks 80 in the world.
Separate from these Sao Tome and Principe visa-free countries and visa-on-arrival countries, there are 167 additional destinations which Sao Tome and Principe passport holders either need a physical visa to enter or an eVisa (i.e. visa required countries).
The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe is a former Portuguese colony. Located in Central Africa, this island national consists of 7 districts. The most important districts are Água Grande, Mé-Zóchi and Lobata. Sao Tome and Principe is the 2nd smallest country in Africa with a surface area of 1,001 square kilometers. Its climate is mostly tropical to subtropical. The terrain is characterized by volcanoes and mountains. The climate is tropical hot and humid with only one rainy season from October till May.
The overall population is around 211,028 million people. The capital of the country is Sao Tome. It is also the most populous city with Approximately 70,000 inhabitants. Other important cities of the country are Santo Amaro, Neves and Santana. The largest and only international airport is Sao Tome International Airport (TMS). It connects the country to destinations across Africa and Portugal.
Sao Tome and Principe gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Its culture is dominated by a mix of traditions and the Portuguese heritage. The main religion of the country is Christianity. The official language of the nation is Portuguese. The legal system is a mix between the Portuguese civil law and customary law. The government form is a semi-presidential republic. President Carlos Vila Nova is the elected chief of state and the head of government is Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. Elections take place every 5 years and the president is elected directly by popular vote.
The official currency of the country is Sao Tome and Principe Dobra (STD) with the current exchange rate being STD 20,697 to the USD. The country has an open economy, generating a GDP of approximately $685 million. This makes it the smallest economy in Africa. It has a per capita income of $3,220. The main GDP contributing sectors are services, industry and agriculture. Agriculture remains very important for export revenue with cocoa being the main item. Other important export goods are textiles, coconuts, palm kernels and copra. The government is currently working together with Nigeria and China to diversify its industry.
Sao Tome and Principe is a developing tourism destination offering several attractions. It is known for its vast wildlife, beaches and nature reserves. Some of the major destinations are the capital Sao Tome, the Obo National Park, Santo Antonio, Santana, Rolas Island, Boca de Inferno and Jale Beach. The majority of the 33,000 yearly tourism visitors is originating from the neighboring African countries.
Secure and protect your travels with Travel Medical Insurance. Get insured now