---
title: Canada visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe
description: "Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/sao-tome-and-principe
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

*Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Processing time:** 15–30 days
- **Government fee:** CA$100 + CA$30 service fee
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** At least CAD $2,500 per person

## How to apply

1. **Gather required documents** — Collect all documents listed above, including passport photos and financial proof.
2. **Complete visa application form** — Fill out IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 (if applicable) online or by hand.
3. **Pay fees and receive biometric instruction letter** — Pay the CAD $100 government fee plus service fee (approx. CAD $30) via VFS Global.
4. **Submit application and documents to VFS Global** — Submit your application package at the VFS Global centre in your region (or by mail).
5. **Schedule and attend biometrics appointment** — Book an appointment at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) to provide fingerprints and photo.
6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15–30 days. Check application status online.
7. **Receive decision and passport instruction** — If approved, VFS will return your passport with the visa vignette.
8. **Prepare for travel** — Ensure passport has visa sticker; carry a copy of your travel itinerary and invitation letter.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity): Download from IRCC website.
- **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Identity): If applicable.
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet Canadian photo specifications.
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter.
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip flight booking and accommodation details.
- **Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Canada, including their status and contact.
- **Employment letter or proof of studies** (Employment): Shows ties to home country.
- **Biometric instruction letter (after application submission)** (Identity): Required to schedule biometrics appointment.
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Supporting): Proof of payment of government and service fees.
- **Proof of onward/return travel** (Travel): Confirmed flight bookings.
- **Proof of residence or status in São Tomé and Príncipe** (Identity): If applying from a third country.

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** CAD 2,500 per person
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Letter of employment
- Sponsorship letter

Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover stay and return travel.

## Good to know

- US permanent residents (Green Card holders) can enter Canada visa-free.
- Incomplete applications may lead to delays or rejection.
- Biometrics must be provided at a designated VAC.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient financial proof** — Provide clear bank statements and any sponsorship letters showing adequate funds.
- **Weak ties to home country** — Include proof of employment, property, or family commitments in São Tomé and Príncipe.
- **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and include all required signatures.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

### How long can citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

### How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee.

### How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 15–30 days.

### What documents do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need for Canada?

Valid passport; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; and 6 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

### Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

## Sources

- [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders](/visa/passport/sao-tome-and-principe)