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Visas & Passports

Cape Verde Visa: A Complete and Up-to-date Guide for Travelers

Are you planning a trip to Cape Verde? Find out what the entry requirements are for Cape Verde, including the need for a Cape Verde visa, passport, mandatory pre-registration and fees. In this updated guide, you'll find everything you need to avoid mishaps and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

 

1. Passport validity

To travel to Cape Verde, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into the country. Make sure your passport meets this requirement before you travel.

 

2. Types of visa for Cape Verde

Cape Verde offers different types of visa, depending on the reason for the trip and the length of stay:

  • Tourist visa for Cape Verde: Granted for tourist trips and cruises. Valid for 90 days, with the possibility of extension for a further 90 days.
  • Transit visa: Granted to transit passengers for 4 days, extendable once.
  • Official, Diplomatic or Courtesy Visa: Valid for 90 days, it allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days and can be valid for multiple entries.
  • Temporary visa: For short trips, such as business, culture, medical treatment or family visits. The visa can be ordinary or multiple-entry, lasting up to 180 days.
  • Residence visa: Granted to foreigners who wish to live in Cape Verde. It can be applied for by those wishing to work, study or reunite with family. This visa is valid for 6 months and can be renewed.

Requests for residence visa must be made directly in Cape Verde, although they can be initiated at embassies or consular posts, which then send them to the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF) for analysis and decision.

 

3. Visa waiver for Cape Verde

Citizens of countries that do not need a visa to enter Cape Verde are:

  • European Union: The citizens of European Unionincluding the United Kingdom (after Brexit), are no visa required to enter the country for stays of up to 30 days.
  • ECOWAS citizens: Citizens of the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are visa-free for up to 90 days. If you want to stay in Cape Verde for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a visa extension or a residence permit.
  • Bilateral agreements: Some countries with specific agreements with Cape Verde are also exempt from visa requirements. 

Want to check if your country is on the visa waiver list? Check the Cape Verde Consular Portal.

Other Visa exemptions to Cape Verde:

  • People born in Cape Verde and their spouses and descendants, on presentation of documents (birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate or other document) proving their connection with Cape Verde (e.g. having been born, married or the child of a father or mother born in Cape Verde).
  • Foreigners with a valid residence permit.
  • Honorary consuls and consular agents of Cape Verde of foreign nationality.
  • Foreigners who hold an identity card as an official or agent of a foreign mission or international organization, issued by the government department responsible for foreign relations in Cape Verde.
  • Foreigners with a refugee travel permit
 
4. Mandatory Pre-Registration Form for Entry into Cape Verde

All travelers, including those with diplomatic or service passports, must complete the pre-registration form at least 5 days before the date of entry into Cape Verde on the platform EASE. The pre-registration includes information about the passport, the date of entry, the flight numberthe date of departure and the place of accommodation. 

The purpose of this process is to carry out an advance security check on travelers by the national authorities.

If the traveler has not pre-registered, they can do so on arrival. At that time, they will also pay the airport security tax (TSA).

All passengers must pay the Airport Security Tax. The fee for international flights is 3,400 ECV (approximately 31 euros or 35 dollars). However, some categories are exempt, including:

  • Cape Verdean citizens, their spouses and descendants (with documentary proof);
  • Children under 2 years old;
  • Passengers on official missions in government aircraft;
  • Passengers in transit at national airports;
  • Passengers on flights returning to the airport for technical reasons or force majeure.
 

5.  Visa on arrival in Cape Verde

Citizens of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the international airports of Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente and Santiago.  

Doubts about the visa on arrival in Cape Verde? Get in touch with nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.

 

6. Customs rules

The Cape Verde's customs rules regulate the entry of goods into the country. For more information on what you can bring in, see the official Cape Verde Customs Rules page.

  •  Vaccination requirements

Citizens coming from countries affected by yellow fever must present proof of vaccination. For other countries, there is no mandatory vaccination requirement.

Note (disclaimer): The information presented here may change as the Cape Verdean authorities update the rules. For up-to-date details or clarification of doubts, travelers are advised to contact the nearest Cape Verde Embassy or Consulate or consult the Cape Verde Consular Portal.

Conclusion

Planning your trip to the Morabeza archipelago requires attention to entry requirements, including passport, visa for Cape Verde, pre-registration and fees. Make sure you check the visa requirements according to your nationality and meet all the requirements before you travel. Pre-registration on the platform EASE is compulsory for all visitors and must be done at least 5 days in advance.

By following this guide and preparing in advance, you'll be able to make the most of the wonders that Cape Verde has to offer, from its paradisiacal beaches e volcanic landscapes until its rich and vibrant culture.