Morocco eVisa for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizens

Morocco, the gateway to Africa, offers a mix of exciting experiences—from the lively old markets of Marrakech and Fes to the beautiful Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert. If you are a citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) planning to visit, the first step is getting the correct travel permission.

The good news is that Morocco now uses an electronic visa (eVisa), making the process faster and simpler. However, STP passport holders must meet certain conditions to use this option.

This article explains everything in clear and easy language about Morocco eVisa for São Tomé and Príncipe. You will learn the important requirements, the steps to follow, and helpful details to make your trip to Morocco smooth and stress-free.

Do São Tomé and Príncipe Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Morocco?

Yes, absolutely. Travelers with a passport from the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe must get a visa before entering Morocco for tourism, business, or any short visit.

The main confusion for many STP travelers is not whether they need a visa, but which option they should choose. Morocco offers two different paths: a quick online eVisa that you can complete from home, or a traditional paper-based visa that requires submitting documents through the standard process.

Understanding the difference helps you plan your trip more smoothly. The eVisa is usually faster and easier, while the paper visa may be needed if your travel purpose or documents do not match the eVisa requirements. Both options allow you to enter Morocco legally and enjoy the country’s vibrant culture, historic cities, and beautiful landscapes.

�Is the Morocco eVisa Available to All STP Passport Holders?�

No, eligibility for STP citizens is conditional.

Morocco allows citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) to apply for the eVisa, but only if they already have permission from certain trusted countries. This means you can get the fast online eVisa only if you can show a valid visa or residence card from one of these approved places.

In simple words, Morocco uses your existing visa or residency as proof that you have already been checked by another country. This makes the eVisa process quicker and smoother for STP travelers.

To be eligible for the Morocco eVisa, an STP citizen must have a valid residence permit or a multiple-entry visa from one of the following approved countries or regions:

• Schengen Area Member States (multiple-entry)
• The United States of America (USA)
• The United Kingdom (UK)
• Canada
• Australia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Ireland

Important Point: If you don’t have a valid visa or residency card from one of the approved countries, you cannot use the eVisa option. In that case, you will need to apply through the regular paper visa process instead.

Morocco eVisa Requirements: Your Essential Documentation Checklist

1. Required Personal and Passport Documents

• Valid São Tomé and Príncipe Passport:
• Upload a clear scan of the page with your photo and details. Your passport should have at least 6 months of validity left from the date you plan to enter Morocco.
• Recent Digital Passport Photo:
• A colour photo with a plain white background. It should meet normal passport photo rules.

2. The Most Important Eligibility Proof

• Scan of Your Valid Visa or Residence Card:
• This must be a clean, readable scan of your valid multiple-entry visa or residence card from an approved country (like the USA, UK, or any Schengen country). Make sure the whole document is visible, and there are no bright reflections or dark shadows on it.

3. Extra Travel Documents (May Be Required)

• Proof of Return or Onward Flight:
• A confirmed return ticket that shows the date you will leave Morocco. This is required for travelers who need a visa.
• Proof of Accommodation:
• Hotel bookings for your stay OR a formal invitation letter from someone hosting you in Morocco.

How to Apply for the Morocco eVisa: A 7-Step Digital Guide

The Morocco eVisa application is made to be fast and simple if you follow these steps carefully:

Choose the Right Application Type:

Select the application option for travelers who are eligible by holding a valid visa or residence permit from an approved country.

Fill Out the Form:

Enter all details correctly. Make sure your name and passport number match exactly what is on your STP passport.

Upload Your Documents:

Upload all the required scans. Check that the files are in the right format (usually JPG or JPEG) and that your visa/residence permit is clearly readable.

Pay the Fee:

Pay the processing fee using a credit or debit card. You can choose Standard or Urgent Morocco E-visa� depending on how fast you need it.

Submit and Track Your Application:

After submitting, save the reference number. You can use it to check your application status online.

Print and Carry Your eVisa:

Once approved, you will get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and carry it with your original documents to show at Moroccan border control.

How Long Does the Morocco eVisa Take to Process?

The application process offers different speed options, so STP citizens who qualify for the eVisa can pick a processing time that fits their urgency. The faster the option you choose, the higher the fee.

The fastest available option; perfect for last-minute or emergency travel plans; comes with the highest premium processing fee.

Important Note: The processing time starts only after you submit your application, pay the fee, and upload all documents (especially your third-country visa or residence permit) clearly and correctly. The final approval time depends entirely on Moroccan authorities.

What If I Am Not Eligible for the eVisa?

If you are a citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) and do not have a qualifying visa or residence permit from one of the approved countries, you must apply for a traditional sticker visa at a Moroccan diplomatic mission. This is the only option available for travelers who cannot use the eVisa.

Location Challenge for STP Citizens:

Morocco does not have any diplomatic offices in São Tomé and Príncipe. This means you will need to travel to the nearest Moroccan mission to submit your application. Depending on your travel options, this could be in a neighbouring African country or in Portugal (for example, Lisbon). It is important to plan your travel carefully, as reaching the mission may take time and additional arrangements.

Traditional Visa Process Overview:

• In-Person Appointment: Most of the time, you will need to schedule and attend an appointment in person. This usually includes an interview where you may be asked about your travel plans.
• Passport Submission: You will need to leave your original passport with the mission while your application is being processed. You cannot travel on that passport until it is returned.
• Processing Time: The process usually takes 10 to 30 business days (approximately 2 to 6 weeks), not including the waiting time for an appointment. It’s important to plan ahead to allow for delays and travel to the mission.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure your application is accepted and processed without unnecessary delays.

Avoiding Rejection: Technical Details on Names and Dates

Sometimes, automated systems check applications and can detect even small mistakes.

1. Name and Data Accuracy

Make sure your name, date of birth, and passport number on the application match your STP passport exactly. Even small differences in spelling, spaces, hyphens, or capital letters can cause delays or rejection.

2. Passport Validity

Even if your eVisa is approved, airlines and border control check your passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival in Morocco. Otherwise, the airline may not let you board.

Key Details About the eVisa

• Validity Period: The eVisa is usually valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date it is issued.
• Maximum Stay: You can stay in Morocco for up to 30 days on a single visit.
• Entry Type: The eVisa is usually single-entry. If you leave Morocco (for example, to visit Spain), you will need a new visa to come back.

Can I Stay Longer Than 30 Days?

Yes. If you want to stay more than 30 days, you must apply to the local police authorities (Préfecture de Police) in Morocco before your current visa expires. Usually, they allow an extension for up to 90 extra days..

What is the Approximate Cost of the Morocco eVisa?�

The eVisa fee is a non-refundable processing charge.

• Fee Amount: The Morocco fee cost depends on the option you choose – Standard (3 days) or Express (1–2 days).
• Currency: You usually pay online in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) or the Euro equivalent using a credit or debit card.
• Payment Tip: Make sure your card can be used for international payments before you pay. If the payment fails, your application cannot be processed.

What to Present at the Border

Receiving your eVisa means you have permission to travel to Morocco, but the final decision to allow entry is always made by the immigration officer at the border. Getting the eVisa does not guarantee entry; it only allows you to present yourself for inspection.

Required Documents at Arrival

Make sure you carry the following documents when you arrive in Morocco:

1. A printed copy of your approved eVisa.
2. Seu original São Tomé and Príncipe passport.
3. The original valid visa or residence permit that made you eligible for the eVisa (for example, your physical Schengen visa or residence card).

Check Your Entry Stamp

After the immigration officer processes your entry, always check that a clear entry stamp with the date has been placed in your passport. This stamp is very important. If it is missing, it can create serious problems when you leave Morocco, as authorities may not recognize your legal stay.�

Always double-check before leaving the border area to avoid any issues during your trip or when exiting the country.

Carrying all required documents and verifying the entry stamp ensures a smooth start to your visit and prevents unnecessary complications during your stay or departure.

�Final Conclusion: Preparing for Your Moroccan Adventure

The Morocco eVisa is a simple and modern way to make travel easier for eligible citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe. By making sure you meet the eligibility requirements and following all the rules for your documents and information, you can complete the application smoothly without problems.

Morocco welcomes you with its amazing mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Get your documents ready carefully, and look forward to exploring the lively streets of Marrakech and the timeless charm of Fez.

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