Cape Verde entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Argentina passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde — no need to apply in advance. Just have your passport (valid 6+ months), a return ticket, and about $33 USD in cash ready when you land at Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, or Praia airports. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, or Praia airports. Have 3,400 CVE (about $33 USD) in cash ready — the ATM at the airport sometimes runs out. You'll fill in a landing card on the plane or at the visa counter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have your hotel booking or host's address and contact number ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a printed reservation or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least 15,000 CVE (about $150 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — either €25 or 3,400 CVE. ATMs at the airport are unreliable and may not accept foreign cards. Bring the exact amount in Euros from home to avoid problems.
eVisa alternative available
If you prefer to skip the visa-on-arrival queue, you can apply for a tourist visa online at seavisa.cv. The fee is €30 (single entry) and processing takes a few days. This also lets you use the regular passport control line instead of the visa counter.
Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from risk areas
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (like Brazil or Angola), you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no vaccines are required for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your entry date. Book your return or onward ticket. Save your hotel booking confirmation and a screenshot of your bank statement on your phone. Have about $33 USD (or €25) in cash — the airport ATM can run out.
2
Fill in the landing card
You'll get a landing card on the plane or at the visa counter after you land. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After you get off the plane, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, and Praia airports, the counter is before passport control. Hand over your passport, landing card, and the fee in cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
With your visa stamp, go to the passport control queue. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Answer clearly and hand over your documents. You'll get an entry stamp and you're in.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (usually green channel for most tourists). You're now officially in Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Apply at Cape Verdean embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work/study).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500/month minimum). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income (€1,000/month minimum). Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate or business). Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available through Cape Verdean embassies or online eVisa system. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a specified period. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible for up to 30 days at immigration offices. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstays beyond visa validity incur daily fines. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max €200 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Argentina 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., overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural stays.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low, but present in some rural areas. Use mosquito nets and repellent if staying in remote regions.
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 office for extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and visa issues for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for AR 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
No — only at the four international airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal), Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), Cesária Évora Airport (São Vicente), and Aristides Pereira International Airport (Boa Vista). If you arrive at a smaller domestic airport, you won't find a visa counter.
You need to pay in cash — either Euros (€25) or Cape Verdean escudos (3,400 CVE). The airport ATMs sometimes run out of cash or don't accept foreign cards. Best to bring the exact amount in Euros from home. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, you can extend your stay for up to 30 days at any Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office. The fee is €25 (about $27 USD) per extension. You'll need your passport, visa, and proof of funds. Offices are in Praia, Mindelo, Sal, and Boa Vista — open Monday to Friday 08:00–16:00.
No, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport — for example, an overnight layover — you'll need a visa on arrival. Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas can transit without a visa for up to 48 hours.
You'll be fined €5 (about $5.50 USD) per day, up to a maximum of €200. Overstays can also affect future travel to Cape Verde. If you know you'll need more time, apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for a tourist visa (single entry, €30) at a Cape Verdean embassy or through the online eVisa system. This can save time at the airport, but the visa on arrival is simpler and works for most travellers. The eVisa is useful if you want to avoid queues or need a multiple-entry visa (€50).
Have these ready: passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital return/onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation or host's address, and proof of funds (bank statement or cash). Immigration officers may ask for any of these. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.