Every CBI brochure inflates visa-free counts. Here’s the honest mobility picture for a São Tomé & Príncipe passport: useful for Africa, Asia hubs, and selective Latin America access — but not Schengen and not the UK on day one. If a broker tells you otherwise, verify against a passport mobility index — not a sales PDF.
STP citizenship by investment service →
What the STP Passport Covers
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 60+ countries, including:
- Singapore — visa-free entry for STP passport holders
- Hong Kong — visa-free access
- South Africa — visa-free
- UAE — e-visa available
- Various African and select Asian and Latin American destinations
Compare on the Latin America passport index and second passport benefits hub for regional context.
What It Does Not Cover (Honestly)
- Schengen Area — STP citizens need visas for France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc. on the STP passport alone
- United Kingdom — visa required
- United States — visa required (no ESTA eligibility on STP passport)
- Canada, Australia — visa required
This is why clients who need immediate Europe access choose Caribbean CBI or pursue the CPLP → Portugal → EU multi-year strategy instead of expecting STP to solve Schengen tomorrow.
STP vs Other Passports on Mobility
| Passport | Approx. visa-free | Schengen | Cost to obtain |
|---|---|---|---|
| STP (CBI) | 60+ | No | $90K donation |
| Vanuatu (CBI) | 100+ | Varies by agreement | ~$130K+ |
| Grenada (CBI) | 140+ | Stronger | ~$200K+ |
| Paraguay (naturalization) | Mercosur-focused | No | ~$5–10K fees + 3 yr |
The Long Game — CPLP Changes the Math
Passport power is not static. STP → Portugal residency → Portuguese citizenship → EU passport is the mobility upgrade path. Evaluate STP on eventual access if you’re playing a decade-long flag strategy, not just tomorrow’s business trip to Paris.
Not Sure If STP Fits Your Plan?
We assess eligibility, family pricing, and whether the CPLP pathway is worth the 5-year Portugal play before you commit $90,000.
Related: STP Citizenship Service · STP Bank Account · Passport Power Index · Offshore Banking Hub · Passport Index · CPLP Pathway · Second Passport Benefits
passport index · CBD hub · residency comparison.
Related: Passport Index · CBD Hub
