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Cape Verde Entry Requirements

Cape Verde Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Government Travel Advisories
Verified 2026-10-01
Before you travel: official formalities

  • Cabo Verde EASE pre-registration and airport security fee

    Who
    Passengers on international flights, except exempt groups such as children under 2 and transit passengers
    When
    Online, preferably at least 5 days before the trip
    Cost
    3,400 CVE airport security fee, charged when pre-registering

    Pre-registration and the airport security fee are handled on the EASE platform.

    Official site
    Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Getting into Cape Verde is straightforward for most visitors, though a few formalities require advance attention. Every foreign national needs a passport valid six months beyond entry. The country operates two main international airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal and Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago. You will clear immigration at your port of entry. Complete the online EASE pre-registration before traveling. This includes paying an airport security fee. Keep documents organized and accessible when you land. Officers may ask about accommodation and return tickets. Processing times fluctuate with flight volume. Patience helps. Entry rules change. Verify current requirements directly with Cape Verdean immigration authorities before departure.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa policy hinges on nationality. Some countries enjoy visa-free short visits. Others need advance visas. Certain nationalities qualify for electronic travel authorization. Eligible countries and permitted stays shift over time. Check the official government immigration website for current rules specific to your passport.

Visa-Free Entry
Typically up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality.

Nationalities that can enter for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes
United States United Kingdom Canada European Union member states Australia Brazil

Visa-free entry covers tourism only. You still need six months passport validity. Bring proof of onward travel. Sometimes bring proof of accommodation. The allowed stay cannot extend under visa-free terms.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
This is not a visa. It is airport security pre-registration. Your permitted stay depends on visa status or visa-free allowance.

All international flight passengers need this online pre-authorization. This applies regardless of visa status.

Includes
All nationalities arriving by air
How to Apply: Apply online through the official EASE platform. Do this at least five days before departure. You will receive email confirmation.
Cost: 3,400 CVE (Cape Verdean escudos). Pay this airport security fee during EASE registration.

This requirement stands apart from visa rules. Complete EASE even if visa-exempt or holding a valid visa. Transit passengers remaining airside are exempt. Children under two years old are exempt.

Visa Required
Determined by the visa issued.

Nationalities that must obtain a traditional visa prior to travel.

How to Apply: Apply at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate in your country of residence before departure. Tourist visas are unavailable on arrival.

Visa processing takes several weeks. Plan ahead. You must still complete separate EASE pre-registration even with a valid visa.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival, you will pass through immigration control. Here is what to expect at the airport.

1
Pre-Arrival Registration
Before flying, complete EASE online pre-registration. Pay the airport security fee. Print your confirmation email or save it on your phone.
2
Arrival and Document Check
After leaving the aircraft, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Immigration Inspection
Hand over your passport, EASE confirmation, and possibly return ticket and accommodation details. Officers may ask about your stay purpose and duration. They will stamp your passport.
4
Baggage Claim and Customs
After immigration, collect checked luggage. Proceed through green channel if declaring nothing, or red channel if declaring goods.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport
Must remain valid six months beyond your Cape Verde entry date.
EASE Confirmation
Shows completed online pre-registration and paid airport security fee. Required for all air passengers except exempt groups.
Return or Onward Ticket
Evidence you intend to leave Cape Verde, often requested by immigration.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation or host letter. Officers may request this.
Visa (if required)
Obtain in advance from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate if your nationality lacks visa exemption.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete EASE registration well before your trip. Avoid last-minute problems.
Keep passport, EASE confirmation, tickets, and hotel details together. Use a folder for easy access.
Peak seasons bring multiple flight arrivals. Expect longer immigration queues.
Answer questions politely and directly. Preparation makes the process efficient.

Customs & Duty-Free

Cape Verde maintains standard customs regulations for personal goods. Duty-free allowances accommodate tourist items for personal use.

Alcohol
2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits per adult.
You must be over 18 years old to import alcohol.
Tobacco
400 cigarettes, or 500 grams of tobacco, or a proportionate mix.
You must be over 18 years old to import tobacco.
Currency
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring in.
Declare amounts equal to or exceeding 2,000,000 CVE (approximately 18,000 EUR) upon entry.
Gifts/Goods
Personal effects and gifts up to a reasonable value for personal use.
Commercial quantities or high-value items may attract duty. New electronics for personal use are generally acceptable.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
  • Weapons and ammunition without prior authorization
  • Pornographic materials

Restricted Items

  • Plants, seeds, and fresh fruits/vegetables require phytosanitary certificates.
  • Pets require an import permit and veterinary health certificate.
  • Medication beyond personal quantities may need a doctor's prescription or prior approval.

Health Requirements

Health considerations for Cape Verde entry focus mainly on vaccinations for certain travelers.

Required Vaccinations

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, flu)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid

Health Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Island medical facilities handle basic care adequately. Complex cases typically require evacuation abroad. This costs extremely.

Current Health Requirements: Yellow fever certificates are mandatory for travelers arriving from at-risk regions. No other health documents are currently required. Requirements shift. Check the Cape Verdean Ministry of Health website before you fly. Your national travel health advisory service works too.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
Need urgent help? Contact your nearest diplomatic mission. Do it now.
Find locations and contact details on your government's foreign affairs website. Check their travel advisory page.
Immigration Authority
For definitive information on visas and entry requirements.
Go to the Direcção de Emigração e Fronteiras website. That's Cape Verde's official Immigration and Border Service portal.
Emergency
For police, ambulance, or fire services.
Dial 132 from any phone within Cape Verde.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Every child needs their own passport. No exceptions. Single parents traveling should carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent. Airlines don't always ask. Immigration might. Rules differ. Call your airline. Check with Cape Verdean authorities. Do both.

Traveling with Pets

You can bring pets. The process is strict. You'll need an import permit from Cape Verdean authorities, a current veterinary health certificate, and rabies vaccination proof. Pets must use designated ports. Quarantine is possible. Start months early. No shortcuts.

Extended Stays

Want to stay longer? Visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office before your visa expires. Overstaying means fines. Exit complications follow. Long-term stays need residency permits. Those applications are complex. Plan accordingly.

Know What to Pack

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