Cabo Verde Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) is a welcoming Atlantic archipelago known for its impressive beaches, lively culture, and pleasant year-round weather. Entry procedures are straightforward for most visitors, with an efficient immigration process at international airports on Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista and São Vicente. All travelers must present a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. Visitors should also be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. The immigration officers may ask simple questions about the purpose and length of your visit, so having printed confirmations for hotels, tours, or any things to do in Cabo Verde can speed up the process. Before departure, check the latest cabo verde visa requirements and complete the mandatory online pre-registration and airport security fee payment (if applicable). Once formalities are complete, you’re free to explore the highlights of Cabo Verde—from the salt-flats and water sports of Sal to the nightlife and restaurants of Santa Maria, or the hiking trails and cultural sites of Santiago. English, Portuguese, and Creole are widely understood in tourist areas, making arrival stress-free.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Cabo Verde operates a liberal visa policy: most tourists can visit visa-free or obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eVisa) online before arrival. A small number of nationalities must apply for a traditional visa in advance.

Visa-Free Entry

30 days; extendable locally

Passport holders from these countries may enter Cabo Verde for tourism or business without a visa.

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom European Union / Schengen countries Brazil Russia South Korea United Arab Emirates Angola Senegal Nigeria Ghana Singapore Hong Kong Israel Turkey

Entry is granted at the discretion of immigration; return ticket and proof of accommodation required.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days single entry (can request 90 days in application)

Travelers whose nationality is not visa-exempt must secure an eVisa before boarding.

Includes

Australia New Zealand China India South Africa Mexico Argentina Chile Japan Morocco Egypt Thailand Philippines Indonesia Kenya

How to Apply: Apply online at https://evisa.caboverde.gov.cv; approval usually emailed within 5–7 working days.
Cost: Approximately €30 (EUR) payable by card

Print the authorization and carry it together with your passport; the eVisa is checked at airline check-in and again on arrival in Cabo Verde.

Visa Required

30 days (longer stays require special application)

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free or eVisa entry must obtain a visa from the nearest Cabo Verdean embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Contact the Direção-Geral de Emigração or the CV embassy; provide passport, photo, flight details, accommodation proof, and fee (≈€60). Processing can take 10–15 days.

Visa-required travelers cannot board flights without a visa sticker in their passport.

Arrival Process

Arriving in Cabo Verde is usually quick, at the modern terminals on Sal and Boa Vista. Have documents ready and follow the signs for 'Desembarque/Arrivals'.

Immigration Control

Present passport, pre-registration receipt (if required), and eVisa/visa. Officer may stamp passport and photograph you.

Baggage Claim & Customs

Collect luggage and proceed to the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) channel.

Exit to Public Area

Look for hotel shuttles, taxi stands, or car-rental desks. ATMs and SIM-card vendors are available.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport valid ≥6 months beyond entry date

Checked at airline check-in and immigration.

Return or onward ticket

Proof you will leave within allowed stay.

Accommodation confirmation

Hotel voucher, Airbnb receipt, or invitation letter.

Electronic Pre-registration receipt (if applicable)

Some travelers must register on the Cabo Verde border control platform and pay an airport security fee online.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Keep copies of all documents in your carry-on; digital backups on your phone help if paper is misplaced.

Have hotel phone number handy; immigration may call to verify.

Dress casually but neatly; respectful appearance eases interaction.

Customs & Duty-Free

Cabo Verde allows reasonable personal effects and standard duty-free items. Declarations are required for currency or goods above set limits.

Alcohol

1 litre of spirits >22% OR 2 litres <22% + 2 litres of wine

Must be ≥18 years.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g smoking tobacco

Must be ≥18 years.

Currency

Equal to or above €7,500 (or foreign equivalent) must be declared

Form available on arrival; failure to declare can lead to seizure.

Gifts/Goods

Total value up to €455 per adult

Items for personal use; commercial quantities taxed.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs – severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition – without special police permit
Counterfeit money and goods – will be confiscated

Restricted Items

Plants, seeds, soil – require phytosanitary certificate to protect local agriculture
Meat/dairy products from outside EU – veterinary certificate needed
Drones – must be declared and registered with ANAC for recreational use

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are mandatory for travelers arriving from most countries, but routine immunizations and certain travel vaccines are recommended.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever – only for passengers ≥1 year arriving from or transiting through countries with YF transmission (e.g., Ghana, Brazil, Angola)

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Routine boosters (MMR, DPT, influenza)
Rabies for long-stay or outdoor adventurers

Health Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly advised; local facilities on outlying islands are limited.

Current Health Requirements: As of June 2024, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. Check https://www.minsaude.gov.cv/ for updates before departure.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Cabo Verde Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website

Immigration Authority

Direção-Geral de Emigração e Fronteiras

https://www.dgef.gov.cv/ for visa applications and official information

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 132 (police), 131 (ambulance), 130 (fire) in Cabo Verde

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors need individual passports; if only one parent travels, carry notarized consent letter from the other parent or proof of sole custody. Birth certificate may be requested.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs/cats need rabies vaccination ≥21 days pre-travel, EU-style pet passport or veterinary certificate, and advance notification to veterinary services at airport of entry (email: vet@caboverde.gov.cv).

Extended Stays

Visit the local Immigration office before the 30th day; present passport, proof of income, and accommodation. A 60-day extension costs approx. €45; longer durations require a residence permit application.