Cape Verde entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde — no advance application needed. Just show up at Sal or Praia airport, pay the fee in cash, and you're in. This policy remains in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Boa Vista, Praia). Pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) — around €25–€40 depending on nationality. Have a passport photo ready.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or host invitation ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (EUR or CVE) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having €50–€100 per day in accessible funds avoids surprises. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before. Carry €30–€40 in cash to be safe.
Check your visa stamp before leaving the counter
Immigration officers sometimes make errors. Before walking away, verify the number of days granted and the validity dates. If something's wrong, ask them to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Sal's Amílcar Cabral International Airport or Praia's Nelson Mandela International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreigners'. Join the queue.
2
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee — typically around €25–€30 (CVE equivalent). Cash (euros or Cape Verdean escudos) is preferred; credit cards may not be accepted.
3
Get your visa stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a visa on arrival. Check the stamp for the number of days granted (usually 30 days). You're now free to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€40 (~$44 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy/consulate before travel; allows longer stay than visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; must be obtained in advance.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and supporting documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 6 months initially, renewable.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€2,500 (~$2,725 USD) application fee plus investment minimum €25,000
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment €25,000. Fast track to residency and citizenship after 5 years.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least €1,000. Requires proof of pension, health insurance, and accommodation. Renewable indefinitely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or Cape Verdean escudos) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if you exceed the visa-free or visa-on-arrival stay period. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$218 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is generally not available for visa-on-arrival; check with immigration office. | €30 (~$33 USD) plus administrative fee |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cape Verde
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia · Cesária Évora Airport (VXE), São Vicente
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions as it can cause birth defects.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists, but use mosquito repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Praia
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) - Praia
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration issues for visitors in the São Vicente area.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalPraia
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 94.71 CVE
Time zone
Local timeUTC-1
vs New York+4h
vs Los Angeles+7h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with side clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is around €25–€30 (approximately 2,750–3,300 Cape Verdean escudos). Pay in euros or escudos — cash only. Credit cards are rarely accepted at the immigration counter.
Typically 30 days. The immigration officer will stamp the exact number of days in your passport. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo before your visa expires.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia or Mindelo. Extensions are granted case by case, usually for up to 30 more days. There's a fee — around €25. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). If you're flying directly from the UAE, no vaccine is required. Check the latest WHO guidelines before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Cape Verde strictly requires proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No. Only full-validity Emirati passports are accepted for visa on arrival. Temporary or emergency passports are not recognized for this purpose.
No. There is no e-visa or online arrival declaration for UAE passport holders. Just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.