Planning a trip to Cabo Verde? In this guide you’ll learn exactly who needs a visa, how to register online, which documents to prepare, special exemptions, and options for extending your stay. Every fact is sourced so you can book with confidence.

Who Needs a Visa (and Who Doesn’t)

Cabo Verde’s visa policy varies by nationality.
– Nationals of certain countries enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
– Others can obtain a visa on arrival after pre-registration.
– A full list of exempt and visa-required countries is on the Cape Verde Tourism Official Site.

Visa-Free Stays up to 30 Days

If your passport’s country appears on the exemption list, you can stay up to 30 days without a traditional visa—though you still must complete the online authorization (see next section).

Pre-Registering with EASE & Airport Security Fee

Before you board your flight, every visitor—even those visa-exempt—must:
1. Complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (EASE) online at ease.sib.cv with your personal and travel details.
2. Pay the one-time Airport Security Fee (TSA) for adults and children over one year old through the same portal.

Failure to do either may result in denied boarding or entry.

Visa on Arrival and e-Visa Applications

If your nationality isn’t visa-exempt, you can choose between:
– Visa on Arrival at Jorge Chávez (Praia) or Amílcar Cabral (Sal) airports, provided you’ve pre-registered via EASE.
– Online e-Visa through an authorized portal.

How to Apply Online

Required documents for the e-Visa include:
– Passport scan (valid ≥ 6 months beyond your stay)
– Recent passport-style photo
– Travel itinerary (round-trip flight or onward ticket)
– Proof of payment for visa fee

Processing times generally range from 3–5 business days.[^1]

Types of Visas and Validity

Cabo Verde offers several visa categories depending on your purpose and length of stay:
1. Tourist Visa – single entry, up to 30 days (extendable)
2. Business Visa – up to 90 days single entry
3. Transit Visa – valid 5 days for airport transit
4. Multiple-Entry Visa – valid up to 5 years for frequent travellers[^2]

Document Checklist & Health Requirements

You’ll generally need:
– Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival date[^3]
– Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
– Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
– Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a risk zone[^4]
– International health certificate or COVID-19 test result (as required)[^5]

For longer stays or residence applications, authorities may request a certified criminal record, translated into Portuguese[^6].

Special Exemptions & Diplomatic Privileges

Certain travellers enjoy unique entry provisions:
– Cape Verdean nationals who’ve adopted another nationality—and their spouses/descendants—enter visa-free with supporting documents.
– Holders of diplomatic, official, or courtesy passports, plus staff of select international organizations, may be exempt or have reduced fees.
– Citizens with residence permits in ECOWAS states, the EU or CPLP can often enter without a visa under bilateral agreements.[^7]

Extending Your Stay & Applying for Residency

If you wish to stay beyond 30 days:
– Apply for a visa extension at the Immigration and Border Service in Praia or Mindelo.
– Options include single-entry extensions up to 90 days or long-term multiple-entry visas valid up to 5 years.
– Residence visas begin with an embassy/consulate application but must be finalized in Cabo Verde[^8].

Ready to Explore?

You now know: who needs a visa, how to pre-register, which documents to gather, and where to extend or convert your visa into residency. Cabo Verde’s islands—from Sal’s white sands to São Vicente’s music—await you. Don’t forget those pre-travel steps, and you’ll touch down ready to enjoy every breeze and beat.

Before you go, double-check:
– EASE registration complete
– TSA fee paid
– Passport validity ≥ 6 months
– Health and vaccination certificates in order
– Visa or exemption confirmed

Safe travels to Cabo Verde!

[^1]: iVisa, “Cape Verde Visa – Online e-Visa Application,” https://www.ivisa.com/cape-verde-visa
[^2]: IATA Travel Centre, “Visa Requirements for Cape Verde,” https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php?countryCode=CV
[^3]: U.S. Department of State, “Entry Requirements – Cape Verde,” https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cape-Verde.html
[^4]: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cape Verde Travel Health Notice,” https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cape-verde
[^5]: World Health Organization, “COVID-19: International Travel Advice,” https://www.who.int/travel-advice
[^6]: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cabo Verde, “Visa Requirements and Long-Stay Documentation,” https://www.mne.gov.cv
[^7]: Wikipedia, “Visa policy of Cape Verde,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Cape_Verde
[^8]: GOV.UK, “Long-Term Stays and Residency in Cabo Verde,” https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde/entry-requirements#long-term-stays

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