Cabo Verde Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), an archipelago nation off the coast of West Africa, has modernized its entry requirements in recent years to facilitate tourism while maintaining security. Most international travelers can visit Cabo Verde using a pre-arrival registration system called EASE (Electronic Authorization System for Entry), which has largely replaced traditional visa requirements. The country welcomes visitors to its stunning islands with a relatively straightforward immigration process. Upon arrival at one of Cabo Verde's international airports (primarily Sal, Boa Vista, or Praia), travelers will proceed through immigration control where officers verify travel documents, registration confirmation, and purpose of visit. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals. It's essential to have all required documentation readily accessible, including proof of accommodation and return tickets. Cabo Verde operates under a tourist-friendly policy designed to boost its growing tourism sector. However, travelers should ensure they complete all pre-arrival requirements and carry necessary documentation to avoid complications at entry. The islands use the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) as currency, and while Portuguese is the official language, Creole is widely spoken, with English increasingly common in tourist areas.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Cabo Verde implemented the EASE (Electronic Authorization System for Entry) pre-registration system for most visitors. Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries enjoy visa-free entry, while most other nationalities must register online before travel.

Visa-Free Entry (ECOWAS Citizens)

Up to 90 days

Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter without visa or pre-registration

Includes

Must present valid passport and proof of accommodation. ECOWAS citizens enjoy freedom of movement within member states.

Pre-Arrival Registration (EASE)

Up to 30 days (tourist stays)

Most international visitors must complete online pre-registration before travel

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Ireland Australia New Zealand All EU member states Brazil China India Japan South Korea South Africa Russia Most other countries

How to Apply: Register online at https://ease.gov.cv at least 5 days before departure (though often processed within 24-48 hours). Fill in personal details, travel information, and accommodation. Payment required online via credit/debit card. Print or save digital confirmation to present upon arrival.
Cost: Approximately €31-35 (around $34-38 USD) for tourist stays up to 30 days

The EASE registration is mandatory and replaces the previous Airport Security Tax (TSA). Confirmation email must be presented at check-in and immigration. Extensions possible through local immigration offices.

Traditional Visa Required

Varies by visa type

Some nationalities may require traditional visa application at embassy/consulate

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Cabo Verde embassy or consulate with passport, application form, photos, proof of accommodation, return tickets, and financial means. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days.

Countries without EASE access or those seeking long-term stays, work permits, or residence should contact the nearest Cabo Verde diplomatic mission. Business visas and extended stay permits have different requirements.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Cabo Verde's international airports is straightforward but requires proper documentation. Immigration officers are professional, and the process typically moves efficiently when travelers have all required documents prepared.

Pre-boarding Check

Airlines verify EASE registration or visa before allowing boarding. Ensure you have printed or digital confirmation accessible.

Arrival Card Completion

Some travelers may need to complete an arrival/disembarkation card on the flight or upon arrival. Fill in completely and legibly with passport information, accommodation details, and purpose of visit.

Immigration Queue

Proceed to immigration control. Lines are typically separated for Cabo Verde/ECOWAS citizens and foreign nationals. Have passport, EASE confirmation, and return ticket ready.

Immigration Interview

Present passport and EASE confirmation to immigration officer. They may ask questions about your stay, verify accommodation details, and check return travel arrangements. Officer will stamp passport with entry date and permitted stay duration.

Baggage Claim

Collect checked luggage from designated carousel. Report missing or damaged baggage to airline representative immediately.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs. Use green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (items to declare). Customs officers may conduct random checks or request bag inspection.

Exit to Arrivals

Exit to public arrivals area where transportation, hotel representatives, and currency exchange are available.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

EASE Registration Confirmation

Printed or digital copy of approved EASE pre-registration (for non-ECOWAS citizens). Contains unique registration number and QR code.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Cabo Verde within permitted stay period. Can be flight confirmation, e-ticket, or booking reference.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Should cover entire stay period. Immigration may verify this information.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence of financial means to support stay (credit cards, bank statements, cash). While not always checked, be prepared to show approximately €50-100 per day of stay.

Travel Insurance

While not always mandatory, strongly recommended. Some officers may request proof of medical/travel insurance coverage.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete EASE registration at least 5-7 days before departure to avoid last-minute issues, though most applications are processed within 24-48 hours.

Keep digital and printed copies of all important documents (passport, EASE confirmation, hotel bookings, flight tickets) in separate locations.

Have accommodation address and contact information readily available, as immigration officers frequently verify this information.

Dress neatly and be polite with immigration officers. Professional appearance and courteous demeanor facilitate smooth processing.

Ensure your passport is in good condition. Damaged passports may cause entry issues even with valid EASE registration.

If connecting between islands, keep your passport accessible as domestic flights may require identification checks.

Exchange some currency before leaving the airport if arriving late, as exchange services in town may be closed.

Save immigration and customs contact information in case of questions or issues during your stay.

Customs & Duty-Free

Cabo Verde customs regulations are designed to prevent smuggling and protect local industries while allowing reasonable personal items for travelers. Most tourists pass through customs without issues when staying within duty-free allowances and not carrying prohibited items.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine or beer

For travelers 18 years and older. Amounts exceeding this may be subject to duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

For travelers 18 years and older. Combination of tobacco products must not exceed equivalent of 200 cigarettes.

Currency

Amounts exceeding €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Both incoming and outgoing. Declaration forms available at customs. No limit on amount that can be brought in/out if properly declared.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and gifts up to approximately €430 in value

Items must be for personal use, not for commercial purposes. Electronics, cameras, and personal effects are generally allowed without issue.

Perfume

50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

For personal use only.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Cabo Verde has strict drug laws with severe penalties
Weapons and ammunition - Including firearms, explosives, and certain knives without proper authorization
Counterfeit goods - Fake branded items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants (ivory, certain shells, exotic skins)
Pornographic materials - Particularly those involving minors
Certain plants and seeds - To protect local agriculture from pests and diseases
Hazardous materials - Flammable liquids, toxic substances, radioactive materials

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring original containers with prescriptions or doctor's letters. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
Drones and radio equipment - May require special permits. Declare at customs and inquire about usage restrictions
Professional camera/video equipment - May require declaration and temporary import permit if value is high or equipment appears commercial
Pets and animals - Require health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits (see Special Situations)
Fresh food products - Meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables may be restricted to prevent disease introduction
Large quantities of goods - Even personal items in commercial quantities may be questioned and subject to duty

Health Requirements

Cabo Verde has specific health requirements for entry, particularly regarding yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should consult healthcare providers well in advance of travel for personalized medical advice.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required for travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through airports of countries with yellow fever risk. Vaccination certificate must be presented at immigration. Countries include most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food/water contamination
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller islands or rural areas
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shot
Rabies - Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities, working with animals, or visiting remote areas

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and may be requested at immigration. Cabo Verde has limited medical facilities, particularly on smaller islands, and serious conditions may require medical evacuation to Europe or Africa. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel as these can change rapidly. Visit the official Cabo Verde government website or contact your embassy for latest health protocols, testing requirements, quarantine rules, and vaccination documentation. Some countries may have additional health screening upon return from Cabo Verde.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Cabo Verde (most are located in Praia, Santiago island)

Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays. Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) for current safety and entry information.

Immigration Authority (DGFCV)

Direcção Geral das Fronteiras de Cabo Verde - Official immigration authority

Website: https://ease.gov.cv for EASE registration. For visa extensions, residence permits, and official immigration inquiries, contact local immigration offices on your island of stay.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 132 (Police), 130 (Fire), 131 (Medical Emergency)

General emergency number may also be 112 in some areas. Response times vary by island and location. Tourist police available in main tourist areas.

Tourist Information

Cabo Verde Tourism Board

Website: www.caboverdetourism.com for general tourist information, island guides, and official tourism contacts.

Customs Authority

Direcção Nacional das Alfândegas

For customs inquiries, prohibited items, and duty information. Contact available at all international airports.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry notarized parental consent letters from non-traveling parent(s), including contact information and authorizing travel. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate. Divorced or separated parents should have custody documentation. EASE registration required for children of non-ECOWAS nationalities. Some airlines may have additional requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require: valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Cabo Verde veterinary services (apply in advance), microchip identification recommended. EU Pet Passport accepted for EU travelers. Pets must enter through designated ports of entry. Quarantine may be required if documentation is incomplete. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact Cabo Verde Ministry of Agriculture for specific requirements and import permits.

Extended Stays

Tourist EASE registration allows up to 30 days. Extensions possible through local immigration offices (Direcção Geral das Fronteiras) on your island before current authorization expires. Extension requests require proof of accommodation, financial means, return ticket, and fee payment. Maximum tourist stay typically 90 days per year. For longer stays, work, study, or residence: apply for appropriate visa/permit at Cabo Verde embassy before travel or through immigration in-country. Residence permits require proof of purpose (employment contract, business registration, property ownership, family ties), financial stability, health insurance, and police clearance certificate. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can use EASE registration for short trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations) up to 30 days. For extended business activities, work permits, or establishing business operations, apply for business visa at embassy with invitation letter from Cabo Verde company, business registration documents, and purpose of visit. Work permits require employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Bring business cards, company letters, and meeting confirmations to facilitate immigration processing.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Cabo Verde to third countries may not need EASE registration if remaining airside and transit is under 24 hours. However, if exiting airport or overnight stay required, full entry requirements apply including EASE registration. Confirm with airline and check official requirements as policies can vary. Keep onward flight documentation accessible.

Dual Nationals

Travelers with dual nationality including Cabo Verde citizenship must enter and exit using their Cabo Verde passport. Those with dual nationality from ECOWAS countries should clarify which passport to use based on visa requirements. Contact Cabo Verde embassy if questions about dual nationality entry procedures.