Want to discover the wonders of Cape Verde? Before relaxing on the beaches of Sal or climbing the mountains of Santo Antão, it's crucial to find out about entry requirements based on your nationality. Visa, pre-registration, airport fees… every detail is important to ensure a worry-free vacation.
In this comprehensive guide, CV House, your partner for a peaceful and authentic trip, explains everything you need to know to organize your visit with ease.
Dive into the essential steps to discover the archipelago in complete freedom now.
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Cape Verde formalities: Entry and visa requirements for Cape Verde
Practical summary of the procedures
| Situation | Visa required? | Pre-registration | TSA to pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU citizens | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| USA / Canada / UK | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Non-exempt countries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes or included depending on the case |
| Stay > 30 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Do I need a visa to travel to Cape Verde?
Cape Verde makes it easy for many travelers to enter its territory. For tourist stays of less than 30 days, an visa is generally not required, but that doesn't mean there are no formalities. There are two important things to know:
- ✅ Mandatory online pre-registration
- ? Payment of the Airport Security Tax (TSA) : €31 per adult
These formalities apply to all visa-exempt travelers, including citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada and several other countries.
Pre-registration and payment of the TSA are done on the official platform: www.ease.gov.cv
For citizens of the European Union
EU nationals can travel to Cape Verde without a visa for a tourist stay of less than 30 days, provided that:
- Fill the online pre-registration form, ideally 5 days before departure
- Adjust the TSA from €31 per adult (children are often exempt)
? Tip: Paying this tax in advance avoids queues on arrival and speeds up checks.
For non-EU citizens
Some non-EU countries also benefit from visa exemption (e.g.: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil, etc.), with the same formalities than for the EU (pre-registration + TSA).
➡️ For other nationalities, a visa is required. It may be requested:
- Near theEmbassy of Cape Verde in the country of residence
- Sometimes, upon arrival or via a e-visa, according to bilateral agreements
Contact the nearest Cape Verde embassy to verify your specific situation.
⏱️ Authorized length of stay
- Visa-free stay: Pigmentation 30 days
- Possible extension on site via the immigration services (notably in Praia or Mindelo)
- Stay beyond 90 days : requires a long-stay visa or specific authorization
Remember to keep proof of accommodation, a return ticket and a copy of your pre-registration with you when you travel.
Documents required upon arrival
Here are the essential documents to present upon your arrival:
- Valid passport at least 6 month after the return date
- Proof of pre-registration (printed or on smartphone)
- TSA Proof of Payment
- Accommodation reservation (or contact address in Cape Verde)
- Return (or onward) ticket
? Tip: Keep a digital copy of all your documents on your phone or in the cloud, in case of lost papers or network problems.
Beware of customs?
Even if the checks are generally quick, there are a few rules to follow:
- The perishable food products are often prohibited
- The medications must be accompanied by a prescription
- The large sums of money must be declared
When should the procedures be carried out?
- Pre-registration : at least 5 days before departure
- Visa application (if necessary) : at least 30 days before travel
- Extension on site : to be carried out before the expiration of the initial 30 days
Good to know for a stress-free trip.
- Always check the latest information on: ease.gov.cv and the local embassy
- If you are traveling with family, check the specific conditions for Minors
- If you arrive from a high-risk country, some vaccinations (eg yellow fever) may be required
✈️ Ready for takeoff?
Preparing your trip to Cape Verde is, above all, plan the formalities in advance to be able to concentrate on the essentials: take full advantage of the archipelagoBetween the lunar landscapes of Fogo, the endless beaches of Boa Vista or the colorful markets of São Vicente, the adventure is only just beginning.
Want more tips on how to plan your trip? Check out our practical guides, local partners, and great deals on CV House.
