Cape Verde entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll handle it at the airport when you land — no need to apply before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Sal's Amílcar Cabral International Airport or Praia's Nelson Mandela International Airport. Pay in cash (EUR or CVE) — the fee is around €25 for a single entry. Have a passport photo ready.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Cape Verde. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | 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. Without it, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Accommodation booking | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, showing €50–100 per day of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Cape Verde airports typically only accepts cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Don't rely on cards. Have the exact fee ready to speed things up.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Skip the SIM card queue by installing an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates the moment you land, so you'll have data immediately for maps, rideshares, and messaging.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
When you land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa — expect 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or local currency). Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and exit. Welcome to Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€25 (~$27 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; same as visa-on-arrival option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€40 (~$43 USD)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (national visa, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 180 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Requires application at Cape Verde embassy abroad; for longer stays or work.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable once for another 6 months
€30 (~$32 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year total.
retirement visa
Residency Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
1 year, renewable annually
€60 (~$65 USD) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension or income. Requires proof of funds and accommodation. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Golden Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residency
€25,000 (~$27,000 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate or business. Requires investment of at least €25,000 in Cape Verde. Fast track to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in euros or Cape Verdean escudos at the airport; cash only. | €25 (~$27 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at entry points; same payment conditions. | €40 (~$43 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires; limited to 90 days total. | €20 (~$22 USD) plus administrative fee |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration or airport departure; overstay can affect future visits. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$216 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Australian passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports 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 overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas during rainy season (August–October).
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in coastal and tourist areas; no prophylaxis recommended for standard itineraries, but consider if visiting rural inland areas.
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 visa extensions and residency; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; similar requirements.
Practical information for AU 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 = 93.93 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 typically around €25–€40 (about AUD 40–65). Pay in euros or Cape Verdean escudos — cash only at the counter. Check the exact amount with your airline or embassy before you go.
The standard visa on arrival allows up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo — but it's not guaranteed.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia or Mindelo before your visa expires. Bring your passport, proof of funds, and a reason for the extension. Fees apply.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Australians travelling directly from Australia don't need it.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa through the Cape Verde government portal before you travel. It costs about €50 and takes 3–5 business days. Some travellers prefer this to avoid queues at the airport.
Immigration may deny you entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. Book a refundable or flexible ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.