CITIZEN’S CORNER

Embassy of India, São Tomé

Welcome to Citizen’s Corner

Citizen’s Corner is an information resource for Indian nationals residing in, working in, studying in or visiting the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. It brings together essential contact details, consular guidance, safety advice and useful official links to help Indian citizens access information and assistance from the Embassy of India, São Tomé.

Indian nationals are encouraged to remain in contact with the Embassy, keep their passports and other relevant documents valid, comply with local laws and regulations, and consult official sources for consular and travel-related information.

For service-specific requirements, application forms, fees and timelines, please refer to the relevant pages under the Consular Services section of the Embassy’s website. This page provides general guidance and does not replace the applicable service-specific instructions.

1. Contact the Embassy

Emergency contact: The 24×7 emergency number is intended for urgent consular emergencies. Routine passport, visa, attestation and general enquiries should ordinarily be addressed through the relevant consular channels during working hours.

2. Consular Services

The Embassy provides consular services to Indian nationals and, where applicable, other eligible applicants. Depending on the service and applicable rules, these may include:

• Passport services, including re-issue and related passport matters
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Attestation and other miscellaneous consular services
• Registration of birth and death
• Documentation relating to transportation of mortal remains or ashes
• Other services listed under the Consular Services section of the Embassy website

Before applying, consult the relevant service page for the prescribed application form, checklist, fee, submission procedure and processing timeline. Incomplete applications or cases requiring verification may take longer.

3. Emergency Assistance

Indian nationals who face an urgent situation in São Tomé and Príncipe may contact the Embassy’s 24×7 emergency consular number. In an immediate threat to life or safety, contact the relevant local emergency services first, where possible.

• Loss or theft of passport or other serious travel-document issue
• Arrest or detention
• Serious illness, hospitalisation or accident
• Death of an Indian national
• Domestic violence, exploitation, abandonment or severe distress
• Repatriation-related emergency or other urgent circumstances involving an Indian national

4. Registration and Staying Connected

Indian nationals residing in or travelling to São Tomé and Príncipe are encouraged to keep the Embassy informed of their contact details and to use the Embassy’s Consular Services page for information on registration of Indian nationals, where applicable.

Indian citizens may also use the Ministry of External Affairs’ MADAD portal to register and track eligible consular grievances. Indian students abroad may use the student registration facility.

• MADAD Portal: https://www.madad.gov.in/madad/
• MADAD Student Registration: https://www.madad.gov.in/madad/StudentRegistration
• Embassy Consular Services: https://www.eoisaotome.gov.in/

5. If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen

1. Report the loss or theft to the local police and obtain a police report, where available.
2. Contact the Embassy through the appropriate consular channel and follow its instructions.
3. Check the Embassy website for the applicable passport re-issue or Emergency Certificate procedure and required documents.
4. Keep available proof of identity, a copy of the lost passport if available, local police report and relevant immigration/residence documents.
5. Keep secure digital copies of your passport, travel documents, insurance details and emergency contacts.

6. Arrest, Detention or Legal Difficulties

An Indian national who is arrested or detained may request the local authorities to inform the Embassy of India, São Tomé. Subject to local laws and regulations, the Embassy may seek consular access, enquire about the person’s welfare, facilitate communication with family members where authorised, and provide information about local legal resources where available.

The Embassy cannot provide legal representation, interfere in judicial proceedings, secure release from custody or influence the outcome of a legal case. Legal proceedings remain subject to the laws and processes of São Tomé and Príncipe.

7. Death of an Indian National

In the unfortunate event of the death of an Indian national, family members or the authorised representative may contact the Embassy for guidance on local procedures and relevant documentation. Depending on the circumstances, assistance may include liaison with local authorities and guidance concerning transportation of mortal remains or ashes, or local burial/cremation.

Keep available, as applicable, the deceased person’s passport, local death certificate, medical or police documents, details of the next of kin and contact information for the authorised representative. Please consult the Embassy before making transportation arrangements.

8. Guidance for Students, Workers and Professionals

Students

• Keep your passport and immigration documents valid.
• Retain copies of admission/enrolment records, accommodation details, insurance and emergency contacts.
• Understand and comply with local laws and the institution’s rules.
• Use official channels and exercise caution with agents making unverified promises about admission, employment or immigration status.
• Contact the Embassy if you face serious difficulty, exploitation or an emergency.

Workers and professionals

• Verify the employer and understand the terms of employment before accepting an offer.
• Keep copies of your contract, immigration documents, insurance and relevant employment records.
• Ensure that salary, working hours, accommodation and other agreed terms are documented.
• Do not surrender your passport or original documents to unauthorised persons.
• Seek help from the appropriate local authorities and contact the Embassy if you face exploitation, non-payment of wages, unlawful confinement or serious distress.

9. Travel and Personal Safety

• Travel with a valid passport and the required entry or residence documents.
• Keep copies of important documents separately from the originals.
• Consider suitable travel and medical insurance before travelling.
• Follow local laws, customs and instructions issued by local authorities.
• Keep emergency contacts and the Embassy’s contact details accessible.
• Use official sources for visa, immigration and travel information; do not rely solely on unverified social-media posts or intermediaries.

10. Women, Senior Citizens and Vulnerable Persons

Indian nationals facing domestic violence, abuse, exploitation, abandonment or severe distress may contact the Embassy for consular guidance. Where there is an immediate threat to life or safety, seek urgent assistance from local emergency services first, where possible.

Senior citizens and other vulnerable persons, as well as their families or companions, are encouraged to keep readily accessible copies of identity and travel documents, health-insurance information, essential medical details, local healthcare contacts, and emergency contacts in São Tomé and India.

11. Community Engagement and Open House

The Embassy engages with Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin on consular matters and community welfare. The Embassy organises Open House meetings on consular services on the last Wednesday of every quarter, from 11:00 to 12:30 hrs, subject to the Embassy’s holiday schedule. If the Embassy is closed on the scheduled day, the meeting is held on the following day at the same time.

Indian nationals may write to cons.saotome@mea.gov.in regarding difficulties in obtaining passport services or consular assistance. Please check the Embassy website for the latest notice before attending an Open House.

12. Advisories, Notices and Updates

Please check the Embassy’s website and official social-media channels regularly for public notices, Embassy holidays, consular updates, emergency advisories, community events and announcements from the Government of India.

• Website: https://www.eoisaotome.gov.in
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInSaoTome
• X: https://x.com/IndiaInSaoTome
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IndiaInSaoTome
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndiaInSaoTome

13. Useful Official Links

Important Note

The information on this page is intended for general guidance. Procedures, documentary requirements, fees and processing times may change. Applicants should consult the relevant official service page or contact the Embassy before acting on the information. Consular assistance is provided in accordance with applicable Indian and local laws and regulations.