Cape Verde Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian, particularly if parents are separated or divorced. The letter should include contact information, travel dates, and authorization for the trip. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children are subject to the same EASE registration or visa requirements as adults. Parents should carry copies of children's birth certificates and, if applicable, custody documents or death certificates of deceased parents.

Pets entering Cape Verde must have an import permit obtained in advance from the Veterinary Services (Direcção dos Serviços de Pecuária). Required documentation includes: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel but within validity period, usually 1 year), international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, microchip identification meeting ISO standards, and treatment for parasites. Dogs and cats must be at least 3 months old. Some breeds may be restricted. Pets must enter through specific airports (check current regulations). Upon arrival, pets undergo veterinary inspection. A quarantine period may be required depending on origin country. Contact Cape Verdean embassy or veterinary services well in advance (at least 2-3 months) as permit processing takes time. Airlines have specific requirements for pet travel in cabin or cargo.

Tourist registrations and visas are typically valid for 30 days. To extend your stay, apply at the nearest Immigration Office (Direcção Geral dos Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and typically allow an additional 30 days, with total tourist stays generally not exceeding 90 days in a 180-day period. Required documents for extension include: valid passport, original entry stamp, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, return ticket (may be flexible), application form, and extension fee (approximately 2,500-5,000 CVE). For stays longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which requires different documentation including criminal background check, health certificate, proof of income or employment, and accommodation proof. Processing times vary. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business visitors conducting short-term business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) can typically use the EASE registration system under tourist category for stays up to 30 days. However, if engaging in actual work, employment, or extended business activities, a business visa or work permit is required. Business visa applications require invitation letter from Cape Verdean company or organization, company registration documents, proof of business relationship, and detailed itinerary. Work permits for employment require employer sponsorship, employment contract, professional qualifications, health certificate, criminal background check, and are processed through the Ministry of Labor. Processing time for work permits can be 2-3 months. Always clarify the nature of your business activities with Cape Verdean authorities to ensure proper documentation.

Cruise ship passengers on shore excursions typically receive temporary entry clearance for the duration of the ship's port stay (usually 8-12 hours). Passengers should carry ship identification, passport or approved photo ID, and ship's shore pass. Immigration processing is often handled collectively by the cruise line. However, if you plan to leave the organized shore excursion or stay in Cape Verde after the ship departs, you must complete full immigration entry procedures including EASE registration or appropriate visa. Notify the cruise line in advance if you plan to disembark permanently. Main cruise ports are Praia (Santiago), Mindelo (São Vicente), and Sal.

Passengers transiting through Cape Verde without leaving the international transit area generally do not need a visa or EASE registration if continuing their journey within 24 hours on the same or first connecting flight. However, if you need to collect and recheck baggage, change airports, or stay overnight, you must complete entry procedures including EASE registration. If your layover exceeds 24 hours or you wish to leave the airport to explore, full entry requirements apply. Some airlines offer transit hotels airside, which may not require entry formalities - check with your airline. Always verify transit requirements with your airline and Cape Verdean authorities, as policies can vary based on nationality and specific circumstances.