Cape Verde Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed June 2025. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Cape Verde uses a three-tier system: visa-free entry for selected passports, mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization for most others, and traditional consular visas for a small group of countries.
Passport holders whose governments have bilateral agreements with Cape Verde may enter without additional permits.
Entry is granted only at international airports and the Porto Grande ferry terminal in Mindelo. Overland arrivals from Senegal require a separate visa.
Citizens of all other countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization online before departure.
Cost: Roughly the price of a mid-range dinner for two
Print the approval letter. Airlines will ask for it at check-in. The ETA is also valid for cruise passengers making port calls in Cape Verde.
Travelers whose passports are not eligible for visa-free entry or ETA must attend a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate in person.
Processing typically takes seven to ten business days. Apply well in advance of travel.
Arrival Process
On arrival you will pass through immigration control, baggage reclaim, and customs. The entire procedure usually lasts 20-45 minutes.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Cape Verde allows reasonable personal effects duty-free, but strict limits apply to alcohol, tobacco, and cash.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs, severe prison sentences
- Meat and dairy products from outside the EU, risk of foot-and-mouth disease
- Counterfeit currency or goods, immediate confiscation
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition, import permit from the Ministry of Defence required
- Medications containing controlled substances, bring prescription and original packaging
Health Requirements
Standard vaccinations are recommended; yellow-fever proof is mandatory only under specific conditions.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever, if arriving from a country with risk of transmission
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Routine boosters (MMR, DPT)
Health Insurance
Cape Verde does not require travel insurance. But medical facilities on smaller islands are limited. Complete cover is strongly advised.
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 NomadsRead our complete Cape Verde Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
If one parent is absent, bring a notarized letter of consent and the child's birth certificate. Single parents with sole custody should carry court documents.
Dogs and cats need an EU pet passport or international health certificate, rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel, and advance notice to the veterinary service at least 48 hours before arrival.
Tourists can extend their 30-day stay once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Praia, Mindelo, or Sal. Longer stays require conversion to a temporary residence permit.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Cape Verde Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Cape Verde?
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