--- title: United States visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe description: "Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–10 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/sao-tome-and-principe lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for the United States 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.* Official application site: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Visa validity:** 3650 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 3–10 days - **Government fee:** $185 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements or pay stubs showing sufficient funds ## How to apply 1. **Complete DS-160 Form Online** — Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form at ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and print the confirmation page. 2. **Pay the Visa Application Fee** — Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) at the designated bank or online as per embassy instructions. 3. **Schedule an Interview Appointment** — Use the online system to book a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana (or other designated consulate) since there is no U.S. embassy in São Tomé and Príncipe. 4. **Prepare Required Documents** — Gather all documents including passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, fee receipt, and supporting evidence. 5. **Attend the Visa Interview** — Arrive at the embassy on time with all documents. Biometrics (fingerprints) will be taken, and you will be interviewed by a consular officer. 6. **Wait for Processing** — After the interview, your application is processed. Typical wait time is 3-10 business days, but may vary. 7. **Receive Passport with Visa** — If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker, either by mail or pickup. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Completed online application form - **Photo (2x2 inches)** (Identity): Recent, white background, meeting US visa photo standards - **Visa appointment letter** (Supporting): Confirmation of scheduled interview - **Visa fee receipt** (Financial): Proof of payment of MRV fee - **Proof of employment** (Employment, optional): Letter from employer stating position, salary, and leave approval - **Bank statements** (Financial, optional): Last 3-6 months to demonstrate financial means - **Travel itinerary** (Travel, optional): Round-trip flight reservations or planned travel dates - **Hotel reservations** (Travel, optional): Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From host in US, including their status and address - **Previous US visa copies** (Identity, optional): If applicable, show travel history - **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Identity, optional): For accompanying spouse or family ties - **Proof of ties to home country** (Supporting, optional): Documents showing strong economic and social ties to São Tomé and Príncipe - **Criminal record certificate** (Supporting, optional): May be requested if previous legal issues ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Equivalent of $200 per day of stay - Bank statements - Pay stubs - Tax returns Sufficient funds to cover travel and stay without working. ## Good to know - Early application recommended: apply 3-6 months before travel. - Visa interview is mandatory for applicants aged 14-79. - Failure to prove strong ties may lead to denial. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient financial proof** — Provide clear bank statements and asset documents. - **Weak ties to home country** — Show employment, family, property, or other commitments in São Tomé and Príncipe. - **Incomplete application or missing documents** — Double-check all requirements and submit all forms. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for the United States? Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa. ### How long can citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe stay in the United States? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe? Government fee: $185. ### How long does United States visa processing take? Typically 3–10 days. ### What documents do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need for the United States? Valid passport; DS-160 confirmation page; Photo (2x2 inches); Visa appointment letter; Visa fee receipt; Proof of employment; and 8 more depending on your situation. ### How long must my passport be valid for the United States? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ ## Sources - [ceac.state.gov](https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders](/visa/passport/sao-tome-and-principe)