Cape Verde Visa Requirements 2026 : EASE Pre-Registration

Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), an archipelago off the West African coast, ended visa-on-arrival for 96 nationalities (including Egypt, Mexico, Turkey and Costa Rica) effective 1 January 2026 : these travelers must now obtain a pre-arrival visa before departure. Nationalities not affected by this change still complete the EASE pre-registration (evisa.ease.gov.cv) before arrival, which is not a visa : entry is free, but registration is mandatory.

Tourist Entry

Effective 1 January 2026, Cape Verde ended visa-on-arrival for 96 nationalities, including Egypt, Mexico, Turkey and Costa Rica, per Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025 : these travelers must now obtain a visa in advance before departure. All other nationalities continue to complete the EASE pre-registration (evisa.ease.gov.cv) before arrival. It's not a visa : entry is free, but registration is mandatory. For detailed and up-to-date requirements, always check the official immigration authority.

Typical Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Official Links

• Cape Verde EASE Portal

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

📋 Complete Visa Categories for Cape Verde

Cape Verde offers a variety of visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available, including requirements, validity, and approximate fees. Always verify current requirements with the official immigration authority before applying, as rules and fees can change.

Note: Fees and requirements may vary by nationality and are subject to change. Some visa categories may have additional sub-types or specific conditions not listed above. Check the official Cape Verde immigration portal or your nearest embassy for the most current information.

⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Cape Verde Visas

Processing times for Cape Verde visa applications vary by visa type, applicant nationality, and time of year. Standard processing is the default timeline, while expedited (express or priority) processing is available for certain visa types at an additional cost. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer than usual. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date to account for potential delays.

All fees are approximate and may be adjusted. Some embassies and consulates charge additional service fees through visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global, TLS Contact). Payment methods vary by location. Keep your payment receipt as proof of fee payment.

🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Cape Verde

Cape Verde requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travelers from endemic countries. No other mandatory vaccinations are required, though hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and routine immunizations are recommended. Malaria risk is low but exists on some islands : prophylaxis may be advised for Santiago island. No medical examination is required for tourist visas. Work and residence visa applicants must undergo a medical examination at an approved facility. Health insurance is strongly recommended as medical facilities on the islands are limited, and serious cases may require evacuation to Portugal or Senegal. Police clearance certificates are required for work visas and residence permits. Cape Verde collects biometric data at its international airports (Praia, Sal). The EASE (Electronic Pre-Arrival Registration) system is mandatory for visitors from certain countries, serving as a pre-screening tool.

🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Cape Verde

Tourist visas can be extended at the DREF (Directorate of Foreigners and Borders) office in Praia or local police stations on other islands for additional 30-day periods, up to a maximum total stay of 90 days. Extension fees are approximately EUR 25-50 per extension. Work and residence permits are renewed at DREF before expiry. Overstay penalties include fines of CVE 10,000-50,000, deportation at the violator's expense, and entry bans of 1-3 years. Cape Verde takes immigration compliance seriously, especially on tourist-heavy islands like Sal and Boa Vista. Working without a valid work permit carries additional fines and deportation. The DREF conducts periodic checks in tourist areas and workplaces.

❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Cape Verde

Cape Verde visa refusals may result from: incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, lack of return ticket, criminal record, or previous immigration violations. Refusals are communicated by the embassy or DREF. Applicants can request reconsideration within 15 days by submitting additional documentation. There is no formal appeals tribunal, but the Director of DREF can review cases. Reapplication is permitted immediately with improved documentation. EASE registration refusals are communicated online and usually relate to nationality restrictions or incomplete information : reapplication with corrected data is possible immediately. Legal representation through a Cape Verdean attorney is advisable for complex cases, particularly for work visa refusals.